Uncertainty Remains as Major Weekend Storm Nears

Aside from several inches in November, it has been ten months since there has been significant snowfall seen in the New York City Metropolitan Area. This is now expected to change as soon as this weekend, as a significant winter weather event has begun to move east.

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The evening run of the FV3 GFS computer model on January 16,  2019. Any slight shift to the east or south with this storm could mean extremely high snow totals closer to, or even south of, I-95. (Image courtesy tropicaltidbits.com)

Snow will quickly develop and intensify as it moves into the Tri-State Area late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, bringing with it rapid accumulations on most surfaces. However, the position of the storm will dictate if and when many locations will see a changeover to sleet, ice, or rain.

At the moment, it appears that locations north of the city and I-95 will experience this transition as early as 9 am Sunday, allowing for potentially significant ice accretions on many surfaces by noon Sunday.

Whether or not the precipitation remains frozen or becomes rain during the day, snow and ice will redevelop by the afternoon as temperatures drop and winds increase Sunday night. It is also important to note that, regardless of the direct impacts of the storm, temperatures will fall to near below zero throughout the Mid Atlantic and New England by early Monday morning. This rapid refreezing could mean any liquid precipitation that falls may become ice on roads, trees, and power lines quickly after the storm exits the area.

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The evening run of the NAM 12km computer model on January 16, 2019. This particular run suggests a delayed transition from snow to ice or rain around NYC, meaning snow accumulations could run much higher than currently expected. (Image courtesy tropicaltidbits.com)

Due to the uncertain nature of the this storm, Weather 360 is currently forecasting anywhere between 4 and 12+ inches north of I-95, with anywhere between 3 and 8+ inches to its east and south. Forecasts will be refined in the coming days as the center of the storm develops, but for now, be prepared for a storm that could knock out power, make travel dangerous for an extended period of time, and dump a significant amount of snow, sleet, ice, and rain.

Blizzard Warnings Issued, Massive Snow Accumulation Expected

The National Weather Service has extended Blizzard Warnings for more than half of the NYC Metropolitan Area. Expect high winds in excess of 40 to 60 mph, snow totals approaching 28″, and downed trees and power lines.

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Expect at least 12″ in most areas, and as much as 2′ in many areas by Wednesday.

This storm will likely be the largest blizzard in 2, or even 5 years. The proximity of this storm to the coast will mean high winds and heavy snow will make for whiteout conditions. If you do not have to, avoid travel. For more information, visit us here or on our Facebook page. To learn more about the dangers this storm poses, consult the NWS at weather.gov.

Wintry Mess Expected Tomorrow

Only 2 days after the largest storm of the season, the Northeast is on the brink of yet another major winter weather event. In southern portions of the Mid-Atlantic and New England, snow in the morning will likely transition to a wintry mix or rain by the afternoon, but further to the north, cooler conditions will allow for up to 2 feet of snow to accumulate in some areas.

The most significant differences in snow accumulation are expected to occur between locations further to the south and closer to the coast, and those slightly further to the north and inland. In the NYC Metro Area, up to a foot of snow, sleet, as well as some ice is possible in locations to the north of Westchester, whereas in coastal NJ, NY, and CT, only a few inches of snow is expected before the transition to more liquidy precipitation takes place.

Regardless of accumulation, expect weather conditions tomorrow to reduce visibility and hamper travel all day. Please be aware of the weather conditions at your current location as well as in your destination if you intend to travel. More safety related information can be found at http://www.weather.gov.

Snow Expected Tonight, May Cause Messy Morning Commute

A low pressure system currently located over the Southeast is on its way northeastward, and is expected to impact large swaths of the East Coast tonight into early tomorrow morning, prompting winter weather advisories for locations across southern Connecticut and New York, as well as in parts of New Jersey. Expect the snow to create slick conditions for the morning commute, as it will quickly stick to the ground and pavement.

Weather 360 is forecasting a maximum snow accumulation of about 3 inches in locations close to the coast, with a trace to an inch of snow further inland.

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Wintry Mess Expected for Monday

Starting late tomorrow afternoon, wintry precipitation can be expected across large swaths of the Metro Area. Locations north and northwest of the city can expect frozen precipitation until early morning Monday, meaning that although it will transition to rain by mid morning in most locations, roads may be icy and slushy. Currently there is a great deal of uncertainty in regard to the temperature Monday morning, which, if are even only a degree below where currently expected, could create an even messier commute.

More updates tomorrow as the storm nears.

Severe Weather Outbreak and Tornado Warnings

ALERT: The National Weather Service in Albany, New York has issued a TORNADO WARNING in effect until 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.  The National Weather Service is also maintaining a TORNADO WATCH for the entire NYC Metro Area until 10:00 PM EST July 1, 2016.  Heed all warnings set out by the National Weather Service and take all necessary common sense precautions.

This evening into tonight, several rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to move through the NYC Metro Area, bringing with them damaging winds, hail, lightning, and torrential rains.  The first round of storms has already produced several severe thunderstorms and one storm capable of producing a tornado. Please be advised that in order to receive up-to-date weather alerts and warnings, one will have to consult the National Weather Service via Weather Radio or online.  Weather360 estimates there is a 66% chance for Severe Weather Development to continue throughout the NYC Metro Area going into tonight.

These storms are expected to continue for up to several hours, creating the possibility for widespread power outages and downed trees and tree limbs.

For more information, please consult the National Weather Service while we here at Weather360 will continue to inform you of upcoming threats via our YouTube Channel or right here at Weather360.net.