Bracing for the Big Chill: NYC's First Snowfall of the Season
Get ready, New Yorkers! The Tri-State Area is about to experience its first measurable snowfall of the season, and it's time to dive into the details.
Our trusted CBS News New York First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert Weather Day for Saturday night through Sunday, as a winter storm moves in. Here's what you need to know to stay ahead of the snow and the bitter cold that follows.
Winter Weather Advisory: Snow and Freezing Temperatures
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the entire region, including New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, and southern Connecticut. This advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday.
The Tri-State Area can expect accumulating snow, which will be followed by a rapid drop in temperatures, leading to freezing conditions on roads and sidewalks.
Snowfall Expectations: A Region-Wide Breakdown
While this storm might not be a major one, it's set to deliver the season's first significant snowfall to the New York City area. Here's a breakdown of expected snowfall across the region:
- NYC: Generally, 2-4 inches, with higher amounts in southern Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island (4-6 inches).
- Long Island: 2-4 inches on the North Shore and 4-6 inches on the South Shore. Local variations are possible, with higher totals in some areas.
- Central Jersey and Jersey Shore: 4-6 inches. Locally higher amounts are likely, especially in central Monmouth and Ocean counties.
- Northern New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley, and Connecticut: 2-4 inches.
- Upper Hudson Valley and far Northwestern New Jersey: 1-2 inches.
Timeline: The Storm's Peak and Wind-Down
The storm's prime time is expected between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Sunday. As the cold air moves in, the freezing line will shift offshore, turning all precipitation into snow. Snowfall rates could reach an inch per hour during heavy bursts, and winds will pick up.
By 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, the storm will start to wind down. Precipitation will end from west to east, and a general snowfall of 2-4 inches is anticipated. Higher amounts are expected south and east of the city, while areas northwest of the city may see lower accumulations.
Post-Storm Conditions: Cold, Windy, and Icy
As the storm departs, winds will increase, gusting between 25-35 mph. Temperatures will plummet throughout Sunday, dropping from the 30s in the morning to the teens by nightfall. With elevated wind speeds, wind chill values will make it feel even colder, possibly reaching single digits and even sub-zero real feels.
This is the coldest start to December in 18 years, with temperatures about 7.5 degrees colder than the average.
The steep temperature drop will cause the snowfall to freeze rapidly, creating potentially treacherous and dangerous conditions on roads and sidewalks.
Snow Preparations: Citywide Efforts
The Sanitation Department has issued a snow alert, starting Saturday at 7 p.m. and lasting until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Highways will be brined before the snow falls to reduce accumulation.
Over 700 salt spreaders are ready for deployment, and plowing will begin once accumulation reaches 2 inches. MTA officials are monitoring switches and tracks, ensuring proper functionality, and crews will be salting and clearing platforms.
Due to the extreme cold, NYC Emergency Management has declared a Code Blue, effective from 4 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. Special outreach teams will be deployed to check on at-risk New Yorkers, providing transportation and warm shelter options.
The Office of Emergency Management urges New Yorkers to check on their neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance during the cold and snowy conditions.
Stay tuned for the latest weather updates and alerts from the First Alert Weather Team. With this early-season snowfall, it's important to stay informed and prepared.
