Key Takeaways
- A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the New York City area, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut ahead of a powerful winter storm
- The storm is expected to bring significant snow to the region, with totals ranging from 4 to 12 inches in some areas
- The brunt of the storm will strike Friday evening through Saturday morning, with travel expected to be extremely hazardous
- Officials are urging residents to prepare for heavy snow and slippery road conditions, and to exercise caution if they must travel
- Temperatures will stay cold on Saturday, with minimal melting expected, and an Arctic blast is expected to blow in for the early part of the final few days of 2025
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A powerful winter storm is expected to hit the New York City area, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning. The storm, which has also led to an AccuWeather Alert being issued for Friday and Saturday, is expected to bring significant snow to the region. The energy from the storms hitting California this week will combine with Arctic air in the Midwest, resulting in a potent storm system that will barrel toward the East Coast.
Storm Timeline and Expectations
The storm is expected to begin moving through the Tri-State area on Friday afternoon, with the brunt of the storm striking Friday evening around 8 p.m. through about 1 a.m. Saturday. At its peak, the storm could deliver 1 to 2 inches of snow an hour, along with low visibilities, making travel extremely hazardous. The storm will wind down in a hurry, with lighter snowfall continuing well into the morning until midday, but with little to no accumulations. There could be some late breaks off to the north, but the overall impact of the storm is expected to be significant.
Snowfall Expectations and Travel Advisory
The latest snowfall map calls for a widespread area of 4 to 8 inches, including New York City. The heaviest bands are likely to set up across the Catskills, Poconos, northernmost New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley, where totals could range between 8 to 12 inches. However, sleet mixing with the snow is likely to cut down amounts south of Interstate 78 in New Jersey, with 2 to 4 inches expected in southern New Jersey. Lesser amounts are also expected on eastern Long Island and eastern Connecticut, where drier air will move in. As a result, officials are urging residents to prepare for heavy snow and slippery road conditions, and to exercise caution if they must travel.
Temperature Expectations and Aftermath
Temperatures will stay cold on Saturday, barely rising above the freezing mark, even as snow tapers off, meaning there will be minimal melting. However, temperatures are expected to rise into the 40s on Sunday, along with some rain and an icy mix north and west. Unfortunately, the reprieve will be short-lived, as an Arctic blast is expected to blow in for the early part of the final few days of 2025. This will likely lead to another round of cold temperatures and potentially hazardous travel conditions.
Preparations and Latest Updates
Residents are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and advisories, and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The National Weather Service and AccuWeather are providing regular updates on the storm, and residents can stay informed through various news outlets and weather apps. Additionally, residents can submit weather photos and videos to Eyewitness News using a provided form. As the storm develops, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
