The New York City Emergency Management Department has placed the city under a Travel Advisory due to expected snow and possible freezing precipitation tonight into tomorrow. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect citywide from 8 p.m. Monday, January 15, until 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
The latest NWS forecast calls for light snow to begin as early as 8 p.m. tonight, becoming increasingly steadier and heavier overnight. Accumulations of 2 to 3 inches are expected by daybreak tomorrow, likely resulting in slippery roads for the morning commute. The northern portions of the city could see as much as 4 inches of snow. New Yorkers should anticipate and plan for at least minor travel delays, with difficult travel in some instances.
The bulk of the snow is expected to end by mid-morning with light precipitation continuing through the early afternoon. A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain or drizzle will be possible during this time. Freezing precipitation may result in an instant layer of ice, particularly on non-snow-covered or exposed roadways that are untreated and/or elevated, such as bridges. Pedestrian walkways can also be immediately affected by freezing precipitation. Even though icy conditions will likely be patchy and not blanket the entire city, New Yorkers are urged to be very mindful of this threat, not only while driving, but also to avoid slips and falls. The most likely window for freezing precipitation is between about 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
There may be a quick changeover back to light snow in the early afternoon before all precipitation comes to an end sometime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Significant impacts are not anticipated for the evening commute at this time, although residual snow and ice could again result in a few travel delays. Outside of any freezing precipitation, there will also be a chance for any melted snow or standing water to re-freeze later in the evening. Temperatures during the day are predicted to nose above freezing, particularly closer to the coast. Alongside the rain, this would allow for some melting, which may then re-freeze as temperatures drop after sunset. Abundant sunshine during the day Wednesday could result in another melt/re-freeze cycle with patchy ice possible in the evening.
A cold airmass settles into the region following the storm. Temperatures are forecast to be several degrees below the norm throughout the week with lows in the low 20s and wind chills in the teens to single digits. This will be the city’s longest and coldest outbreak of the season thus far. A second storm late this week could bring another round of snow and an even colder air over the weekend, with wind chills potentially nearing zero alongside gusty winds. Temperatures may not rise above freezing until next Monday, resulting in the possibility of frozen or burst pipes.
“With snowfall projected to hit our area this evening into tomorrow morning, New Yorkers should take the necessary precautions to remain safe,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “While it’s been nearly two years since New York City experienced more than an inch of snowfall, all relevant city agencies have been activated and are prepared to handle whatever comes our way. As a reminder, New Yorkers should sign up for Notify NYC to keep up to date on winter weather.”
“New Yorkers should prepare for hazardous travel conditions tonight and tomorrow,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “With cold temperatures and steadily accumulating snowfall overnight, there’s a good chance for slick snow-covered roadways and travel delays during the morning commute. We’re also closely monitoring the potential for freezing precipitation and a light wintry mix that may result in patchy ice in the late morning through the early afternoon.”
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