Largest Winter Storm of Season Takes Aim at NYC Tri-State

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for locations across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Snow showers earlier this morning left 1-3 inches of snow on grassy surfaces across the area, but the brunt of the storm is only now beginning to move over Long Island and New Jersey. Heavy bands of snow developing this morning will intensify throughout the afternoon, bringing with them snowfall rates upwards of 2 inches per hour and wind gusts of 30-40 mph.

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Weather 360 NYC Tri-State 72 Hour Snowfall Forecast as of 9:30 AM today.

While snow totals to the east of the city in Long Island will likely remain at or below the one foot mark, locations to the west, northwest, and north of the city have the potential to reach over 18 inches of snow by Thursday morning.

Due to high winds combined with heavy snow this afternoon, it is advised that all unnecessary travel is avoided until the storm subsides tomorrow.

Potential for Significant Nor’easter Soon

A low pressure system is forecasted to develop off the coast of Florida this Tuesday, at which point it has the possibility to come close enough to the coast to impact the Northeast by Thursday.

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European Computer Model (ECMWF) run for Thursday, January 4, 2018, depicting a strong low pressure developing several hundred miles off the US East Coast. (Image courtesy of Weather.us)

As low temperatures correlate to higher yields of snow from the same amount of liquid precipitation, should the storm system track any closer to the coast, upwards of half a foot to a foot of snow or more could be possible. At this time it is still unknown as to whether or not the storm will come close enough to impact the NYC area, but the potential exists for a significant winter storm or blizzard come later this week.

Hybrid Storm Takes Aim on Northeast

Tropical Storm Philippe has merged with a cold front off the coast of Delaware. The new center of low pressure is rapidly intensifying and continuing to push tropical moisture northwards. The core of the storm, as forecasted by nearly all computer models over the past 24 hours, is developing rapidly and, once onshore, is expected to bring with it wind gusts that could reach hurricane force. Today also happens to be the five year anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Sandy, and the six year anniversary of the Halloween Snowstorm of 2011. This storm, although not as strong as either of these two infamous events, shares multiple, peculiar characteristics with both storms, including but not limited to the ‘negative dip’ in the jet stream, an atmospheric condition responsible for Sandy’s ‘sharp left turn’ into the Mid-Atlantic, as well as its combining with another storm system to create a hybrid-superstorm.

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Northeast US Radar as of 6:25 PM Eastern Time.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the entire NYC Metro Area, meaning that high winds will likely cause widespread power outages and will cause fallen items to block roadways. A flood warning is also in effect for the area, meaning that conditions are favorable for roadways and other low-lying locations to flood due to the excessive amount of rainfall. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution going into tonight and into tomorrow.

For more information, visit The National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.

 

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.

Hermine Tracks East, Remains a Threat to Tri-State

Hermine continued its east-northeastward track overnight, bringing it to the eastern side of the NHC’s ‘cone of uncertainty’.  Although the effects from Hermine along the coast will be less significant for large swaths of The Mid Atlantic and southwestern New England, Hermine still poses a threat to life and property.

Labor Day Weekend is normally a time when people go to the beaches to celebrate the unofficial end of summer, but rip currents, high waves, and high winds from Atlantic City to Boston may put a damper on your plans. Along with this, expect there to be wind gusts high enough to bring down some large branches and trees, especially on Monday, bringing up the potential for some spotty power outages.

For more information on Hermine, visit our Tropical Cyclones page and check for official information at hurricanes.gov and weather.gov.

Tropical Storm Warnings For Tri-State Area

The National Weather Service in Upton, New York has issued Tropical Storm Warnings for locations across The Tri-State Area. Storm Surge Watches and Warnings are also in effect.nhc hermine post tropical ts warnings.gif

Sustained winds in excess of 40-60 MPH are possible with this storm from New Jersey to Connecticut, creating the potential for widespread power outages, blocked roads, and high waves. The National Hurricane Center is expecting a storm surge of anywhere between 1 and 8 feet depending on the location, especially on the south facing shores of Long Island. Now is the time to act! Make sure you have a 3 day supply of food and water as well as flashlights, a weather radio, and portable batteries if at all possible. If evacuations are ordered for your area, do not hesitate to leave. The potential track for this storm remains somewhat uncertain, so please stay informed over the following several days. Official information may be found at hurricanes.gov (NHC), and at weather.gov (NWS).

Rounds of Storms Firing Up in NYC Metro Area

Thought it was over? Well, guess again…

Over the past hour and a half, a line of thunderstorms brought periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning to mostly northern portions of the Tri-State Area.  Although this line of storms may have cooled things down a bit, there is yet another, larger line of thunderstorms that has the potential to bring even more severe weather to the Metro Area later on in the evening.  With respect to the first line of storms, although they may not have gotten their act quite together when it comes to supercell development, they still packed a punch able to take down large branches, leaves, and lower visibility to less than a mile in some locations temporarily.

The line of storms that is expected to move into the Metro Area tonight will have even more ingredients necessary for Severe Weather Development in their favor.  After the first line of storms earlier, the Mixed Layered CAPE, instead of dropping off, skyrocketed from 700-1,100 joules per kilogram, to 1,500-2,000 joules per kilogram.  Along with this, there has been a notable increase in Effective Helicity as well as Effective Shear, indicating that stronger and more developed storms are on the way.

The most important thing to remember today is that the storms are not over, and that it will be important to have access to NOAA Weather Alerts via an NOAA Weather Alerts Radio or via Cellular Phone so you can stay informed if Severe Weather hits.

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.

 

Severe Thunderstorm Potential in NYC Today

Following a round of moderate to heavy rain this morning in and around New York City is the potential for severe thunderstorms in the mid afternoon.  With the next round of storms expected to impact the area comes the threat of hail, high winds, heavy rain, and lightning (not ruling out the potential for an isolated tornado or two).  In order to stay safe, take appropriate action now if you live in the NYC Metro Area.  Make sure that you have a flashlight, water, and a weather radio available in the event of an emergency.

An important factor in forecasting severe weather is the Convective Available Potential Energy or CAPE value. The CAPE is a measure related to the total energy available for convection and the maximum vertical updraft speed.  It is important to note that the greater the CAPE, the more likely it is for severe thunderstorm development.  It becomes much more common for severe thunderstorms to develop in and around the NYC area when the CAPE value is above 800, give or take a few, and as of now, the SREF ensemble computer models (run by the Storm Prediction Center)are suggesting a CAPE value of around 1,200.  Along with this, more short range computer models such as the HRRR are suggesting a line of thunderstorms popping up around 4:00 PM EST today across the area. Remember to be on the look out for severe weather today and heed any and all advice distributed by the National Weather Service.

Welcome Back to the New Weather360

After a two month developing phase, Weather360 is back up and running even better than ever.  Over the following weeks, a new Severe Weather Forecasting System will be implemented to give specialized information regarding the New York City Metro Area.  Along with this, we plan to provide more insight into oncoming storm systems that may impact the Metro Area as well as large storm systems that may deliver severe outbreaks across the country.