Overview: A Major Winter Storm Heads Toward the Northeast
Residents of New York City, the New York metropolitan area, New Jersey, and portions of southern Connecticut should prepare for a substantial winter storm this weekend. Forecasters warn that heavy snow will move across the region, layered on dangerous, subfreezing temperatures. The commute could be disrupted, travel bans may be issued, and power outages are possible as icy conditions tighten the impact. Here’s the timeline you need to plan around.
Friday Evening to Saturday Morning: Outbreak of Snow Begins
The storm is expected to arrive Friday evening or overnight in many parts of the tri-state area. Light to moderate snowfall could begin first in western and southern counties before spreading toward the city metro area. Accumulations at this stage will likely be light but will intensify as moisture interacts with the cold air. In higher elevations and northern suburbs, snow could start as a wintry mix before changing over to all snow, complicating early travel plans.
Saturday: Heaviest Snow Plows Through the Region
Saturday is the core day for heavy snow across NYC, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut. Snow bands are forecast to stall and repeatedly redevelop, bringing extended periods of heavy snowfall in bursts. Expect the heaviest rates to occur during the late morning into the afternoon, with snowfall rates potentially reaching inches per hour at times. Travel will deteriorate quickly, and many schools and workplaces could switch to closures or remote learning. Stay tuned for updates as the forecast models converge on the exact locations of the heaviest snow bands.
Timing Windows by Zone
New York City & Surrounding Boroughs: Snow begins mid-morning with intensification by midday. The heaviest snow is likely between late morning and early afternoon, tapering off into the evening as drier air wraps into the system. Snow totals in the city are likely to range from 6 to 12 inches, with higher amounts in outer boroughs and on Long Island due to persistent lake-effect-like bands from the nearby water bodies.
Northern New Jersey: The northern counties could see 8 to 14 inches, with pockets approaching 16 inches in favored bands. Expect wind gusts that could cause blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility on exposed highways. The timeline for the heaviest snow aligns with late morning through the afternoon, followed by a taper later in the evening.
Southern New Jersey & Connecticut: Snow should begin in the morning and may be heavy at times, but totals tend to be a bit lower than the city and north. Expect 4 to 8 inches in most southern locales, with higher elevations and coastal zones seeing more due to banding patterns.
Wind, Visibility, and Safety Impacts
Blustery winds accompanying the snowfall will create whiteout conditions in open areas and along exposed roads. Wind gusts may reach 20 to 40 mph or more in some locations, producing notable blowing and drifting snow. Visibility could drop to a quarter-mile or less in heavy bands, complicating travel even during daytime hours. Subfreezing temperatures will persist, risking hypothermia for unprotected individuals and freezing of pipes in vulnerable homes.
Impacts on Travel and Plans
Expect widespread travel disruptions, with possible school closures, delayed buses, and limitations on municipal services. Commuters should plan for extended travel times and consider postponing nonessential trips. Airlines serving New York-area airports may implement changes or cancellations, adding to the weekend travel uncertainty. If you must travel, allow extra time, keep an emergency kit, and monitor official advisories for road conditions and closures.
What to Do Now
• Check local forecasts from reliable outlets and keep an eye on the National Weather Service updates.
• Prepare for extreme cold: winterize your home, ensure pipes are protected, and have supplies such as blankets, non-perishable food, and batteries on hand.
• Plan for power outages by charging devices and having backup heat options if safe and available.
Bottom Line
The weekend storm is set to deliver heavy, disruptive snowfall across New York City, northern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut. The heaviest snow is anticipated on Saturday, with a multi-hour window of intense snowfall that could impact travel and daily routines. Stay with official forecasts for updates on timing and accumulations, and adjust plans accordingly to stay safe.
