Winter Storm On Track to Bring Snow to the Tri-State Area this Weekend
A low-pressure system trudging across the country is set to dump rain and snow on much of the southeast, with the potential for snow accumulation in the tri-state area. This system is expected to make its way along the East Coast over the weekend, bringing the possibility of snow to the New York City region.
Some areas could see 1 to 2 inches of accumulated snow on Saturday. NYC residents can expect a light dusting to less than an inch, according to NBC News. This would be the second snowfall of the year in the city, following the January 6 storm that left half an inch in Central Park but was followed by a temperature drop.
Until this morning, New York and New Jersey were under a "code blue" alert, activated when temperatures drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit. This emergency designation expands services to protect vulnerable populations, including 24/7 warming centers available throughout NYC.
The National Weather Service has already issued winter storm advisories and warnings from north Texas to western North Carolina and Virginia, effective from noon on Thursday until Friday.
For the tri-state area, the winter storm is expected to arrive before dawn on Saturday, with snow showers continuing until noon. With temperatures near the freezing point in Central Park, there may be some rain mixed with snow.
This system is still two days away, and its exact path could change, impacting the timing and location of snowfall. Even a light dusting can make travel difficult.
Prepare for reduced visibility and slippery roads Saturday morning. As temperatures rise slightly above freezing in the afternoon before dropping again at night, expect any melted snow to refreeze Sunday morning, forming dangerous black ice.
Medical and meteorological experts warn that extreme temperatures are particularly hazardous for the elderly and children. Hypothermia, a condition where the body’s temperature drops dangerously below 95°F (35°C), can occur when the body loses heat faster than it can generate it.
Just three weeks ago, NYC experienced its first "white Christmas" in 15 years, thanks to an inch of accumulated snow on December 24. In recent years, snow has been scarce in NYC, with the last significant snowfalls occurring in early 2021. Central Park typically sees around 24 inches of total snow during a winter, but last year it only received 2.3 inches, the lowest amount on record since 1869.
Stay updated on the latest weather information here and through the National Weather Service (NWS-NY). Get more details about weather alerts in New York and New Jersey counties here and on NBC News Weather.
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