New York, N.Y. – A dangerous blizzard is battering New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut and northeast New Jersey early Monday, bringing intense snowfall, powerful winds and life-threatening travel conditions.
The National Weather Service has a Blizzard Warning in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, much of southern Connecticut and northeast New Jersey.
An additional 9 to 14 inches of snow is expected in many areas, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Long Island and southern Connecticut could see 10 to 13 inches, with winds gusting between 55 and 65 mph. Northern New Jersey is forecast to receive 7 to 10 inches with gusts near 50 mph. Orange and Putnam counties may see 4 to 12 inches depending on how quickly the storm pulls away.
Wind-driven snow is reducing visibility to below a quarter mile at times, creating whiteout conditions across major roadways including I-95, the Long Island Expressway, the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, I-87 and the Hutchinson River Parkway.
Heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds may down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered power outages. Coastal and open areas face the highest risk for severe blowing and drifting.
Officials urge residents to avoid all non-emergency travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded. Check local transportation departments for real-time road conditions.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Monday evening as snowfall tapers and winds slowly diminish, but hazardous travel will persist throughout the day.
