Snowfall and Lake Effect Conditions
The storm will begin with light snow in Western New York on Saturday morning, gradually intensifying as it moves eastward. Snow accumulations are expected to reach 4 to 6 inches in Central New York, while areas such as Tug Hill could see higher totals due to lake effect snowfall from Lake Ontario.
According to the National Weather Service, “potentially significant lake effect snow is possible again Sunday night through Tuesday night across the I-90 corridor and north.” This could lead to substantial accumulations and hazardous driving conditions in affected areas.
Ice and Freezing Rain Threat
As temperatures rise late Saturday and into Sunday, snow will transition into freezing rain in many areas. Ice accumulations could reach a quarter-inch or more from Madison County through the Southern Tier and Catskills. Syracuse is expected to receive slightly less, but even minimal ice build-up can lead to dangerous road conditions.
The weight of ice on tree branches and power lines could result in scattered power outages. “There could be scattered power outages from the weight of ice on trees and wires,” the National Weather Service cautioned.
Bitter Cold and Strong Winds
As the storm moves away late Sunday, it will usher in some of the coldest air of the season. Temperatures will drop sharply from the high 30s in the afternoon to the teens by early Monday. Winds will pick up speed, with gusts reaching 50 mph, making it feel even colder.Wind chills could dip below zero on Monday and Tuesday mornings, with daytime highs struggling to reach 20 degrees. “Wind chill temperatures are likely to be below zero across much of Upstate New York Tuesday morning,” according to the National Weather Service.
Impact on New York City and Hudson Valley
The storm will also bring significant disruptions to the New York City area, where snow is expected to start falling by Saturday afternoon. Initially, temperatures will remain cold enough for all precipitation to fall as snow, with 1 to 3 inches expected in the city and northern New Jersey. Further north, the Hudson Valley could receive 3 to 5 inches before the transition to freezing rain begins.
By mid-to-late evening, rising temperatures will cause the snow to turn into sleet and freezing rain, eventually changing to rain overnight. In South Jersey, this changeover will occur first, followed by New York City and Long Island.
Heavy Rain and Flooding Risk
On Sunday, rain will be the dominant form of precipitation across much of the region. The previous day’s snowfall will turn to slush before being washed away completely. Some areas could experience brief but heavy downpours in the afternoon, increasing the risk of street flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
There is even a possibility of isolated thunderstorms in South Jersey and Long Island before the storm exits in the evening. In total, the storm is expected to deliver 1 to 2 inches of liquid precipitation, with about half an inch to an inch falling as rain.
Cold Start to the Week
Once the storm departs, clear skies will return, but temperatures will plunge. Daytime highs will stay below freezing, with mornings feeling like the single digits. The biting cold will persist for several days, reinforcing the need for winter gear.
Stay Alert and Be Prepared
Authorities urge residents to prepare for hazardous weather conditions. Travel will be difficult, and power outages are a possibility in areas experiencing significant ice accumulation. Those in affected regions should monitor weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure they have essential supplies in case of prolonged disruptions.
