New York City, New York – New Yorkers are being urged to stay prepared as a prolonged stretch of cold weather sets the stage for possible additional snowstorms through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter systems to impact the state in years.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across New York are expected to remain below normal during the Feb. 7–20 period. With cold air firmly entrenched, any storm system moving through the region would favor snow, and longer-range precipitation outlooks suggest an active pattern capable of producing heavy accumulations.
The alert comes after Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that tracked from Texas to Maine and affected more than two dozen states. Fern dumped nearly two feet of snow in parts of New York, particularly across upstate regions and higher elevations, while widespread totals exceeding a foot were reported from the Southern Tier through the Hudson Valley. The storm snarled traffic on Interstates 87, 90, and 81, caused flight disruptions at major airports, and led to scattered power outages as heavy snow and gusty winds moved through.
With cold conditions expected to linger, communities from New York City and Long Island to Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and the North Country could face renewed disruptions if similarly strong systems develop. New York State Department of Transportation crews warn that repeated snow events can quickly deteriorate road conditions, especially during overnight hours when temperatures drop sharply.
Emergency management officials encourage residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and keeping emergency supplies on hand. While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the broader pattern supports continued winter impacts. Additional advisories and warnings may be issued as confidence increases, with cold and snow likely remaining a persistent concern across New York through mid-February.
