The most recent forecast models show the New York City area being hammered by another weekend winter storm, which is shaping up to be a classic nor’easter.
Forecasts now predict up to a foot of snow for the five boroughs, central Jersey, and Nassau County on Long Island. Totals may be slightly lower farther north and west, with the Hudson Valley, North Jersey, and Connecticut expecting 5-8 inches.
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Winter storm watches were issued for the city and the surrounding tri-state area.
Some areas of Long Island and the Jersey Shore may receive more than a foot of snow before the storm passes.
Furthermore, winds will gust between 30 and 50 mph during the storm, making flying snow a hazard, especially around the shore.
So, what changed? Models that previously showed the system farther offshore (such as the European model) shifted Friday morning, showing it hugging the shoreline more. That is closer to the American model’s forecast, which has been very aggressive on snow lately.
The storm is caused by a low-pressure system that is now over California and will march across the country before moving off the coast of North Carolina on Sunday. As it travels into the Atlantic, the low will strengthen, and the tri-state area could have light to moderate snowfall and gusty northeast winds beginning Sunday afternoon.
Snowfall will begin light with temperatures slightly above freezing, resulting in minor accumulations through Sunday afternoon. The heaviest snow will fall after dusk Sunday and persist until early Monday morning before tapering off.
Heavy snow and high winds may make travel difficult on Sunday night. Monday’s morning commute will also be miserable. While the snow will be melting, winds may cause blowing snow and poor visibility, making roadways difficult to travel.
The storm system will begin to dissipate Monday afternoon, and conditions will improve, with dry skies and sunshine returning Tuesday.
