NEW YORK (WABC) — A powerful winter storm is expected to bring the first snowstorm in nearly a decade to the tri-state region Sunday afternoon into Monday morning, producing heavy snow and strong winds that could lead to dangerous travel.
The storm could paralyze transportation across the region, with widespread snowfall of 12 to 18 inches expected, and heavier, wet snow.
Wind gusts exceeding 50 mph could knock down trees and power lines Sunday night into Monday morning, and combined with heavy snow, travel could become extremely dangerous or impossible. Power outages and coastal flooding, which can reach up to 2.5 to 3 feet at high tide, are also a concern, and a coastal flood warning has already been issued.
The storm is expected to be the heaviest snowfall to hit the tri-state region since the January 2016 storm, which was the largest snowstorm ever to hit New York City. This is an unusual event as the last time a blizzard warning was issued was in March 2017.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard and winter storm warning for New York City and the tri-state area from Sunday through Monday.
Saturday is the calm before the storm, with clouds increasing but dry and calm. Highs reach the mid to upper 40s.
Conditions can quickly change overnight as a powerful coastal storm moves up the East Coast. Light snow will begin to fall around sunrise Sunday, but early morning temperatures will be below freezing. As a result, the first snowflakes will have a hard time attaching, and as much as an inch of snow could accumulate by early afternoon. Accumulation will continue into the afternoon as temperatures drop and the snow stabilizes.
Snowstorm possible Sunday night into Monday
The worst of the storm will arrive late Sunday afternoon and last through sunrise Monday. Snowfall could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour, and strong winds could cause whiteout conditions, especially along the coast. The storm’s central pressure off the coast will be comparable to a Category 2 or 3 hurricane. This intensification breaks down in the colder air, turning all precipitation into heavy snow.
A blizzard warning will be issued in the following cases:
long island
All five boroughs
Westchester County and Rockland County
connecticut coast
most of new jersey
A blizzard warning means blowing snow with winds or gusts reaching speeds of 35 mph or higher and visibility reduced to 1/4 mile or less for more than 3 hours.
A winter storm warning covers the remaining area.
Possibility of snowfall
By the time the storm subsides on Monday, 12 to 18 inches of snow is expected to fall in many areas, with more than a foot of snow expected in localized areas in parts of the East End and Jersey Shore. Some areas could see a thick band of more than 20 inches east and south of New York, with 2 to 3 inches of snow possible over a 6 to 8 hour period.
timeline
Saturday: Cloudy and calm. Highs in the 40s. It’s a good day to prepare for the storm.
Sunday morning: Light snow. Initial accumulation is limited.
Sunday afternoon: It’s getting cold. Steady snow begins.
Sunday evening: Monday morning: Peak of storm impacts. Heavy snow, whiteout conditions, wind gusts over 80 mph, and dangerous travel.
Monday noon: Snow softens. The wind is still strong, but it’s getting better.
Tuesday: Cold with remaining snow.
Mid-week: Snow gradually melts.
Authorities are urging residents to finish preparing on Saturday and avoid non-essential travel from Sunday evening until Monday morning.