Key Takeaways:
- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Tri-State Area, including New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and southern Connecticut, from 10 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday.
- Accumulating snow is expected, followed by bitter cold and freezing roadways, making driving conditions hazardous.
- Snowfall totals vary by region, with NYC expected to receive 2-4 inches, Long Island 2-4 inches on the North Shore and 4-6 inches on the South Shore, and New Jersey 4-6 inches in central and coastal areas.
- The storm is expected to bring the first measurable snow of the season to the New York City area, with the most snowfall in December since 2020.
- Temperatures will plummet on Sunday, with windchill values making it feel like single digits and possibly sub-zero.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The Tri-State Area is bracing for a winter storm that is expected to move in on Saturday night and last through the first half of Sunday. The CBS News New York First Alert Weather Team has declared a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday night into Sunday, and a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for all of New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, and southern Connecticut from 10 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday. This advisory is a warning to residents to be prepared for accumulating snow, followed by bitter cold and freezing roadways, which will make driving conditions hazardous.
Snowfall Totals and Expectations
While this storm is not expected to be a major one, it is likely to deliver the first measurable snow of the season to the New York City area. Recent Decembers in the city have been quite low in snowfall, and it’s probable that the impending snowstorm will deliver the most snowfall to the city during the month of December since 2020. The expected snowfall totals vary by region, with NYC expected to receive 2-4 inches, Long Island 2-4 inches on the North Shore and 4-6 inches on the South Shore, and New Jersey 4-6 inches in central and coastal areas. Northern New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and Connecticut can expect 2-4 inches, while the Upper Hudson Valley and far Northwestern New Jersey will see 1-2 inches.
Timeline of the Storm
The storm is expected to begin on Saturday night, with the prime time of the storm occurring between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday. During this time, the freezing line will shift offshore, changing all precipitation types to snow, and the snow will become moderate to heavy at times, with snowfall rates reaching 1 inch per hour during the heavy bursts. Winds will start to pick up, and temperatures will drop into the upper 20s. As the storm winds down between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday, precipitation will end from west to east, with a general 2-4-inch snowfall anticipated, and higher amounts south and east of the city, and lower amounts northwest of the city.
Aftermath of the Storm
As the storm departs, winds will increase, gusting between 25-35 mph at times, and temperatures will plummet throughout the day on Sunday, going from the 30s in the morning to the teens by Sunday night. Windchill values will be even colder, making it feel like single digits and possibly sub-zero. The steep drop in temperatures will lead to the snowfall freezing rapidly, making road and sidewalk conditions very treacherous and dangerous. This is the coldest start to December in 18 years, with temperatures about 7.5 degrees colder than average.
Preparations and Precautions
The Sanitation Department has issued a snow alert starting Saturday at 7 p.m. and lasting through 2 p.m. Sunday, which means highways will be brined before the snow falls to help reduce accumulation on roadways. More than 700 salt spreaders are ready to be deployed, and they will begin plowing when accumulation reaches 2 inches. MTA officials will be monitoring switches and tracks to ensure they are working properly, and crews will be salting and clearing platforms. Snow-fighting vehicles will be pre-staged to help with snow removal, and bus service may be adjusted based on road conditions in and around the city. NYC Emergency Management has also issued a Code Blue, which will be effective from 4 p.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday due to the extreme cold, and the city will be deploying special outreach teams to proactively check in on at-risk New Yorkers, making sure they have transportation and someplace warm to stay. The Office of Emergency Management is urging New Yorkers to check in on any neighbors who might need extra help with the cold and snow.
