There is a 50% chance New York City and its closest suburbs could receive at least a foot of snow from the weekend’s impending snowstorm, meteorologists said Thursday.
“Confidence has only increased in an impactful winter storm to produce a significant snowfall to the region on Sunday,” National Weather Service forecasters wrote in an update. “Continue to monitor the forecast for updates on what looks to be a major winter storm with significant impacts for the region into early next week.”
There is a 90% of at least 6 inches of snow across the region beginning Sunday and continuing through early Monday, experts said. The hefty snowfall will impact the five boroughs, Long Island, all of New Jersey, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut.
Exact snowfall predictions remain murky, with the storm still 72 hours away from hitting the city. Further upstate, snow totals could climb significantly higher, with some areas receiving multiple feet.
While some parts of the country could be dealing with ice, the main hazard in and around New York is expected to be snow. Temperatures will drop below 20 degrees overnight Friday into Saturday, ensuring only snowfall for the region.
“Wind chill values likely fall below zero for most areas” on Friday night, NWS forecasters warned. “The frigid air mass remains on Saturday, and forecast highs in the teens region-wide will make it one of the coldest days in the past several years.”
Central Park hasn’t seen a foot of snow since February 2021, when 17 inches fell near the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A massive swath of the U.S. will be impacted by this weekend’s storm, beginning Friday with snow and ice for several areas. In portions of the country, the storm will begin as rain before colder weather moves in, creating conditions for more than half an inch of ice in many areas.
With News Wire Services
