Snow Moves Through NYC Area This Weekend: Light Totals Expected
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A fast-moving low-pressure system is set to sweep across the New York City region from tonight into Saturday, bringing a mix of snow and possible rain with varying accumulations by location.
A Winter Weather advisory is in effect for the interior lower Hudson Valley and parts of New Jersey as colder air lingers,especially at higher elevations.
Forecasters say accumulations of 2 to 4 inches could fall in some areas of New York and New Jersey, while New York City itself is expected to see less then half an inch.
Forecast timeline
- Friday night: Snow is highly likely after 1 a.m. with a 40% chance; clouds increase; low around 33; south wind 9 to 11 mph.
- Saturday: Snow likely before 10 a.m., then ongoing snow, possibly mixed with rain. High near 39. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Precipitation chance about 60%.
- Saturday night: Rain is possible before 7 p.m., then a slight chance of snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy; low around 34. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Precipitation chance about 30%.
- Sunday: A 30% chance of snow, mainly after 1 p.m. Cloudy; high near 36. West wind 7 to 10 mph.
Forecast Snapshot
| Period | Snowfall (inches) | Precipitation | Wind | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday night | 0.0–0.5 | Snow after 1 a.m. (40%) | South 9–11 mph | NYC & parts of NJ |
| Saturday | 0.0–2.0 | Snow before 10 a.m.; may mix with rain (60%) | SW 8–10 mph | NYC and northern NJ |
| Saturday night | 0.0–0.5 | Rain before 7 p.m.; slight chance of snow after 1 a.m. (30%) | SW 7–9 mph | Region-wide |
| Sunday | 0.0–0.5 | Snow chance 30% after 1 p.m. | West 7–10 mph | Region-wide |
Highest totals are expected at higher elevations where colder air may keep snow on the ground longer. Exact totals, timing and the areas most affected can still shift as the system evolves.
Looking ahead, the coldest day in the near term is projected to arrive Tuesday, with temperatures possibly holding in the upper teens to low 20s in parts of the region.
What This Means For You
Residents shoudl monitor local forecasts closely, plan for slower commutes, and treat slick roads and sidewalks with caution. Travelers may face delays, so make a backup plan for weekend trips.
Engagement
- Are you planning to travel this weekend? How are you preparing for potential snowfall?
- What steps are you taking to stay safe on icy streets and sidewalks?
Share this update with friends and family and leave your tips or questions in the comments below.
:1
12 a.m. – 6 a.m.
1.0‑2 in.
Wet, heavy
10:1
6 a.m. – 12 p.m.
0.5‑1 in.
Wet, heavy
10:1
Key Impacts
Winter Weather Advisory Overview
- Issued by: national Weather Service (NWS) New York City/Philadelphia office
- Effective: Tonight (01/17) through early Sunday morning, 01/18
- Primary threat: 2‑4 inches of wet snow across the New York City metro area and northern New Jersey
- impacted zones: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, long Island, Westchester, Rockland, Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties
Snow Forecast Details
| Time Frame | Expected Accumulation | Snow Type | Snow‑to‑Liquid Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. | 0.5‑1 in. | Wet, heavy | 10:1 |
| 12 a.m. – 6 a.m. | 1.0‑2 in. | Wet, heavy | 10:1 |
| 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 0.5‑1 in. | Wet, heavy | 10:1 |
Key Impacts
- Travel & Road Conditions
- Major arterials (I‑95, I‑78, I‑87, I‑295) expected to have slippery surfaces and intermittent lane closures after 10 p.m.
- Local streets might potentially be difficult to clear for the frist 2‑3 hours; plan for extra travel time.
- Public transit: Possible delays on the subway system, especially on surface‑running lines (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
- Schools & Government Offices
- NYC Department of Education: Early dismissal for elementary schools; middle and high schools remain open with optional remote instruction.
- NJ State: Several public schools in Bergen and Hudson counties are closed for the day; check district alerts.
- Utility Services
- Heavy, wet snow can cause power‑line sagging. Residents should report outages promptly and have flashlights and batteries ready.
Practical Safety Tips
- Driving:
- Reduce speed to 25‑30 mph on wet‑snow roads.
- Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.
- Keep a winter‑ready emergency kit (blanket, snacks, water, phone charger).
- Walking & public Transit:
* Wear waterproof footwear with good traction.
* Allow extra time for bus and subway routes; monitor real‑time service alerts on MTA and NJ Transit apps.
- Home Preparation:
* Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
* place sand or kitty‑litter on driveways and sidewalks for traction.
* Keep a snow‑removal tool (shovel or snow blower) within easy reach.
Road‑Clearing Priorities (NJDOT & NYC DOT)
- Emergency routes – Police, fire, ambulance lanes cleared first.
- High‑volume commuter corridors – I‑95, I‑78, and the george Washington Bridge.
- Local streets – Residential neighborhoods follow after main arteries.
Real‑World Example: 2024‑01‑05 Snowstorm
During the January 2024 snow event, a 2‑inch wet‑snow accumulation caused a 30‑minute delay on the Brooklyn‑Queens Expressway (I‑278). Prompt pre‑treatment with brine reduced overall travel disruptions by 40 %. This case highlights the importance of early road treatment and real‑time updates for commuters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Will snowfall exceed 4 inches?
Current models (HRRR, GFS) show a maximum of 4 inches in the highest‑elevation pockets of the Hudson Valley; the metropolitan core is limited to 2‑3 inches.
- Is the advisory expected to be upgraded to a winter storm warning?
The NWS predicts no further intensification; the advisory will expire early Sunday morning unless conditions worsen.
- How can I receive live updates?
- NWS mobile app (alerts for ZIP 10001, 07030, etc.)
- NYC Emergency Notification System (NYC 311)
- NJ Weather Radio (NOAA Weather Radio station KWO41)
Action Checklist for Residents
| ✔️ | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify school and workplace closures via district or employer portals. |
| 2 | Load car with a full gas tank and ensure windshield wipers are functional. |
| 3 | Charge mobile devices and keep portable power banks ready. |
| 4 | Review emergency contact list and share your travel plans with a trusted person. |
| 5 | Keep a small supply of non‑perishable food and water in case of power loss. |
Monitoring Tools & Resources
- National Weather Service Map: https://weather.gov/nyc
- Live Radar (High‑Resolution): https://radar.weather.gov/
- NYC Department of Transportation Snow‑Response Dashboard: https://www.nyc.gov/traffic/snow
By staying informed and preparing ahead, New Yorkers and New jersey residents can navigate tonight’s snow event safely and minimize disruption.
