New York, New York – Drivers across New York City and surrounding suburbs could face hazardous travel late Friday as a winter storm moves in during the evening hours and intensifies overnight into Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in New York, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon for New York City, northeast New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, Nassau County, western Suffolk County, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Snow is expected to develop Friday evening, with a period of heavier snowfall likely Friday night into early Saturday.
Within the watch area, total snowfall of 4 to 8 inches is possible, with a reasonable worst-case scenario reaching 8 to 10 inches if heavier snow bands set up over the same locations. Snowfall rates could approach 1 inch per hour, with a low chance of rates nearing 2 inches per hour in the strongest bands. These conditions would make travel hazardous, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses.
In areas just outside the core watch zone, including portions of interior New Jersey and the Hudson Valley, snowfall totals of 2 to 5 inches are expected, though amounts could increase if the storm track shifts. Forecasters note a chance for sleet to mix in at times, particularly in northeastern New Jersey, New York City, and coastal Long Island, which could affect final snow totals.
Snow is expected to start out drier Friday evening before becoming wetter overnight into Saturday morning. Temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid to upper 20s, allowing snow to accumulate efficiently.
Residents are urged to complete travel before Friday evening if possible and closely monitor updates, as watches may be upgraded as confidence increases. Additional briefings from the National Weather Service are expected later Thursday.
