Key Takeaways:
- A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for parts of New Jersey and a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City and the Tri-State area
- 1-3 inches of snow is expected in Manhattan and points north and west, with 3-6 inches expected on Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, and central and southern New Jersey
- The snow is causing slick conditions on the roads, with low visibility and potentially dangerous travel conditions for drivers
- Plow and salt trucks are out on the roads to help with cleanup efforts, and officials are urging residents to avoid the roads and stay indoors if possible
- New Jersey Transit is experiencing up to 30-minute delays, and air travel is impacted at local airports, with Newark Airport experiencing delays of about 170 minutes
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The Tri-State area is experiencing its first widespread snowfall of the season, with snow blanketing the region on Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for parts of New Jersey and a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City and much of the Tri-State area. The snow started falling late Saturday night, and it is expected to continue throughout the morning, with 1-3 inches expected in Manhattan and points north and west, and 3-6 inches expected on Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, and central and southern New Jersey.
Snowfall and Road Conditions
The snow is sticking to the ground amid the breeze and cold temperatures, causing potentially dangerous travel conditions for drivers. The roads are slick, with low visibility, and officials are urging residents to avoid the roads and stay indoors if possible. Plow and salt trucks have been out on the roads and in shopping center parking lots throughout the morning to help with cleanup efforts. Worker Ambrosio Hernandez, who has been helping to plow snow since overnight, said, "Yeah, we work almost all night." Residents, such as Daniel Kmak, who was out with his son, are trying to make the most of the situation, saying, "This is better for me. I don’t work until tomorrow, and tomorrow it will be cleaned up and it will be all good tomorrow."
Impact on Transportation
The snow is having a significant impact on transportation in the region. New Jersey Transit is experiencing up to 30-minute delays due to weather-related conditions, and the Gladstone Branch rail service is suspended in both directions due to downed trees in the overhead wires at Murray Hill. Air travel is also impacted, with Newark Airport experiencing delays of about 170 minutes due to snow and ice conditions. In Queens, New York, departures at John F. Kennedy Airport and LaGuardia Airport are under a ground stop. Residents can check the latest updates on the NJ Transit website and can visit the City’s Severe Weather website at nyc.gov/snow or call 311 for more information.
Cleanup Efforts
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert into Sunday afternoon, which is the Department’s "higher level" snow-fighting notification. Crews began highway brining operations on Friday night, applying brine before snow begins falling to reduce accumulations on roadways. Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan discussed snow cleanup efforts in New York City, and residents can find all winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website or by calling 311. Con Edison reported that over 400 customers citywide have reported being without power, with most of the outages in Brooklyn, and smaller numbers in the Bronx and Queens.
Weather Forecast
Conditions are expected to clear by Sunday afternoon, though temperatures will remain below freezing. High pressure returns on Monday, bringing bright but frigid weather with highs in the upper 20s to low 30s. A gradual warm-up is expected midweek, with temperatures reaching near 50 by Thursday. Residents can stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecast by downloading the AccuWeather app and following meteorologists Lee Goldberg, Sam Champion, Brittany Bell, Jeff Smith, and Dani Beckstrom on social media.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tri-State area is experiencing its first widespread snowfall of the season, with snow causing slick conditions on the roads and potentially dangerous travel conditions for drivers. Officials are urging residents to avoid the roads and stay indoors if possible, and plow and salt trucks are out on the roads to help with cleanup efforts. Residents can stay informed about the latest weather forecast and transportation updates by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website or by calling 311. By taking necessary precautions and staying informed, residents can stay safe and navigate the winter storm with ease.