Major Winter Storm Hits NYC, Dumping Heavy Snow at 2 Inches per Hour
A major winter storm has descended upon New York City, bringing with it heavy snowfall at an astonishing rate of 2 inches per hour. This sudden meteorological twist comes after Central Park experienced a 700-day snow drought. As the storm sweeps through the Tri-State area, including suburban New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, residents can expect to see accumulations of 6 to 8+ inches of snow by Tuesday.
The entire region is under a Winter Storm Warning, encompassing Long Island, northern New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley. Authorities are urging drivers to stay off the roads due to the anticipated treacherous conditions during Tuesday morning’s commute. With flights being canceled and schools closing their doors, communities are preparing for potential power outages.
To understand the full scope of the storm, it is important to examine the hour-by-hour weather forecast and expected snow totals. The system is currently pulling in colder air from Canada as it moves off the East Coast. A wintry mix of precipitation is transitioning to snow, with temperatures hovering around freezing in New York City. Meteorologist Mike Woods from FOX 5 NY explains that the rain-snow line is shifting further south than initially predicted.
Between 7 a.m. and noon, the entire area will experience snowfall, particularly during the morning commute. Thunder may even accompany the intense storm, highlighting its severity. Snowfall rates are expected to range from 1 to 2 inches per hour, accompanied by winds of 20 to 25 mph, gusting up to 40 mph in certain areas. New York City Mayor Eric Adams strongly advises residents to stay home if possible.
By 1 p.m., the system will begin moving out of the region, and conditions will gradually calm down from west to east. Temperatures will reach the mid-30s in the city. The Winter Storm Warning will officially end at 6 p.m.
According to meteorologist Nick Gregory from FOX 5 NY, the snowfall forecast varies across different areas. Northern New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and interior Connecticut can expect 9 to 12 inches of snow. New York City, Long Island, and metro New Jersey should anticipate 6 to 8+ inches. However, areas such as Dutchess and Putnam in the northern Tri-State counties may only see 3 to 5 inches.
The snowfall totals hinge on several factors, such as persistent heavy snow banding. If this occurs, New York City could receive up to 13 inches of snow, while areas north and west of the city may see 14 to 16 inches. On the other hand, if the storm trends further south and the rain-to-snow transition is slow, NYC could only accumulate 4 inches of snow. Northwestern regions could see 4 to 6 inches, while some parts of Long Island may experience little to no accumulation.
Additionally, the combination of heavy snow and wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph could lead to power outages. A Coastal Flood warning has also been issued for southern Nassau County, with a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for much of New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut, and eastern New Jersey.
Looking ahead, meteorologist Nick Gregory predicts that New York City has the potential for at least another 15 inches of snow this winter. The current strong El Niño conditions indicate above-average temperatures and wetter-than-average precipitation. While February is expected to bring more rain-snow events, there is a possibility of a surge in cold weather in the middle of the month, potentially leading to one or two snowstorms.
As New York City faces this major winter storm, it is crucial for residents to stay safe and heed the advice of officials. By staying off the roads and taking necessary precautions, individuals can weather the storm and look forward to the eventual arrival of spring.
