Multi-Day Winter Weather Event Kicks Off Meteorological Winter

11:30 am – Snow and mixed precipitation has begun to fall across the NYC Tri-State Area as a two-day winter storm moves into the Northeast. December 1 is considered the first day of ‘Meteorological Winter’ – a period of time that lasts until the end of February and is considered the coldest three month period in the Northern Hemisphere.

THE FREEZING LINE

This storm will be characterized by sharp precipitation boundaries over relatively short distances. The difference between coastal and inland locations, or even changes in elevation of only several hundred feet, will dictate both when and how much frozen precipitation will fall and accumulate.

  • INLAND LOCATIONS (Or above 400 ft elevation) – Winter Storm Warnings. The most inland locations will likely not experience any mixed precipitation at all. Snow accumulations in these areas may exceed one foot. For less inland locations currently under a winter storm warning, a mid-afternoon changeover to mixed precipitation or rain is expected today, with a refreeze and changeover back to snow expected around noon Monday. Among the several inches of snow possible, the threat exists for ice to accumulate on roadways, trees, and power lines. Travel will be significantly more difficult during periods of heavier precipitation this afternoon and evening. A refreeze as well as more snow tomorrow will further complicate travel. Exercise extreme caution on roadways and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.
  • COASTAL LOCATIONS (Generally less than 400 ft elevation) – Winter Weather Advisories or no winter weather alert. A mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain will transition to all rain by mid-afternoon today. A transition back to frozen precipitation is expected Monday afternoon. Several inches of snow as well as some ice accumulation are possible. Exercise caution on slick roadways.

Due to the mixed-precipitation nature of this early December storm, any actual snow accumulation will depend on how long snow falls before transitioning to sleet, freezing rain, or rain. Total storm accumulations will likely be impacted by any changeover to rain.

Conditions may vary significantly over relatively short distances. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and exercise caution while outdoors and on the road.

Snow to Transition to Wintry Mix, Ice, and Rain Tuesday

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories throughout the New York City Tri-State Area. Updated ice accumulation forecasts have indicated a much more significant level of ice accretion for locations to the north and west of the city, making for potentially dangerous roadway conditions Tuesday afternoon as well as setting up the possibility for isolated to potentially widespread power outages going into Tuesday night.

IceForecast02112019
The National Weather Service’s ice accumulation forecast as of 8:41 pm EST on February 11, 2019.

Plan on steady snow developing by mid-morning Tuesday, with the potential for snowfall rates exceeding 1 to 2 inches per hour in the first couple hours of the storm. While the exact timing of the transition from snow to wintry mix (sleet, freezing rain, and snow) depends heavily on specific location, most areas – excluding Long Island, where the transition could occur more rapidly and sooner than elsewhere – will see this changeover around the early to mid-afternoon.

 

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The Weather 360 snowfall forecast for Tuesday, February 11, 2019. Snow totals will vary greatly based on proximity to the coast.
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The Weather 360 roadway forecast for Tuesday, February 11, 2019. Please exercise extreme caution during the duration of this storm, with extra attention directed to built up ice and snow on certain roads.

Roadways will become dangerous by early afternoon due to periods of heavy precipitation and ice accretion. Please avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the storm, with extreme caution on both treated and untreated roadways due to ice, snow, and reduced visibility. Most locations should see conditions rapidly improve Wednesday as temperatures are expected to go above freezing.

First Winter Storm of Season Expected Saturday

Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for locations along the I-95 Corridor. While snow accumulations through Sunday morning will likely range from 3” to 6” across much of the NYC Metro Area, the possibility for greater snow totals does exist should the storm system shift to the west, as does the possibility for lower totals in the event that the storm shifts to the east.

NAM3km Rain Snow Forecast December 9 2017
The NAM 3km computer model run from Friday afternoon depicting heavier bands of snow developing across New England by 3 pm. Image from Tropicaltidbits

As the center of low pressure continues to develop, snow has begun to fall across portions of southern New Jersey and is expected to impact our area starting sometime in the mid-morning Saturday. While snow totals will likely remain below the 10” mark, expect moderate snow from around noon to 8 pm Saturday with the potential for some bands of heavier snow around the mid-afternoon. Most roadways will begin to see light accumulations of snow within one to two hours of the first flakes, meaning that all roadways will become slippery by the afternoon and evening.

Snow Accumulation 17-1.jpg
Weather 360 snow accumulation graphic for Saturday December 9, 2017. 3″-7″ can be expected across the NYC Metro Area.

Up to 8″ of Snow Possible Tomorrow; Major Storm Potential Next Week

Over half a foot of snow is possible tomorrow across large swaths of the Mid Atlantic and southern New England. Starting around midnight tonight, snow associated with an incoming weak low pressure system will move into the NYC area. Most of the snow should move out of the area by noon, but not before dumping an estimated 4-8 inches of snow.

HRRR computer model total snowfall accumulation by 4 pm ET 3/10/17.

Expect roads to be slick and potentially covered by a layer of snow and potentially some ice during the morning commute.

Going into Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, a potentially major Nor’easter may bring up to 2 feet of snow to New England and the Mid Atlantic. However, as this storm system is still not yet developed, it is difficult to forecast this with great accuracy, but recent trends have indicated that the potential for a major storm is increasing, and in the meantime, we’ll keep you informed.

 

 

Major Snowstorm to Remain Offshore

A significant snowstorm expected to bring blizzard conditions and up to a foot of snow to portions of Virginia and the Southeast may bring up to several inches across the Mid Atlantic and the Northeast, prompting winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for portions of Long Island and eastern Connecticut. The National Weather Service also forecasts light snow accumulation for much of the Metro Area, with areas of Long Island receiving as much as 6 to 8 inches of snow by tomorrow night.

Weather 360 forecasts up to 4 inches of snow for much of southwestern Connecticut, and a half foot or more of snow for much of Long Island. As the snow will start around midday, travel in the afternoon may become slick and at times there may be periods of low visibility.

Snow Accumulation 3.jpg

Please consult The National Weather Service at weather.gov for more info.

First Snow Across New York, Connecticut

This morning, locations across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey woke up to snow showers and freezing rain; the first of the season. Although hovering just above freezing for most of the morning in portions of the Metro Area, snow was still able to reach the ground before melting. In locations further to the north, up to an inch and a half of snow has been reported on the ground, with snow expected to continue in some locations until the early evening hours before fully transitioning to rain.

Wintry Mess to Impact the Area Overnight

Locations across the NYC Metro Area are now under Winter Weather Advisories as snow and other wintry precipitation continues to envelop the area.  Tonight, temperatures will continue to rise, and the wintry precipitation now will slowly transition to sleet and freezing rain, before tapering off as some rain showers across the area very early tomorrow morning.  Currently, areas still receiving snow will likely have accumulated 1-3 inches of snow by now, making it somewhat difficult to get around.  Ground temperatures are still below that of the air, meaning that areas receiving snow or other wintry precipitation will likely continue to see more accumulation.  Tomorrow’s commute will be messy in the early morning  until more rain moves in around 9 AM to wash some of the slush and snow on the roads away.

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when the National Weather Service decides there will be hazardous weather in a certain area that will include some sort of wintry precipitation.

Most Winter Weather Advisories across the area are set to expire tomorrow around 7 AM.

Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings Issued

A major winter storm is expected to impact the entire New York City Metro Area tonight into Sunday Morning.

Southern Connecticut Overview:  Currently, Southern Fairfield and Southern New Haven Counties are under Winter Storm Warnings.  Locations in southern portions of Northern Fairfield County can expect near-blizzard conditions, but due to less of a threat further north in the county, the National Weather Service has decided to keep the alert level at an advisory (likewise for Northern New Haven County).  Expect wind gusts around 40 MPH with snow totals 6-15 inches.

Southeastern New York Overview: Blizzard conditions for the Greater New York City area along with Long Island.  Winter Storm Warnings for locations just to the north (Westchester County), and continued Winter Storm Watches for locations just to the north of there.  Expect wind gusts potentially reaching 50 MPH with snow totals ranging from 6 to 18 inches.

Northern New Jersey Overview: Winter Storm Warnings issued for Northwestern portions of this area.  Blizzard Warnings closer to the coast.  Expect snow totals ranging from 6 to 24 inches with wind gusts potentially reaching 60 MPH.

For more detailed information, visit weather.gov

As of 1/22/2016 5:00 PM EST