STORM RIDING IN
Area predicted to get few more inches of snow
After a frigid week complete with New York City’s first significant snowfall in nearly two years, even more wintry weather is in the forecast for the tristate area this weekend.
Temperatures in the city on Thursday hovered in the mid-30s for most of the day. The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook citywide and predicted that snowfall would begin late Thursday or early Friday morning and continue throughout the day, likely dumping around 3 inches in the metro area. However, total accumulation will depend on how close the storm tracks to the coast.
Commuters should be wary, especially in the evening hours, the NWS added, warning of “snow-covered roads” and reduced visibility on Friday.
NYC Emergency Management issued a travel advisory for Friday based on the expected snowfall and issues it will bring to the evening commute for drivers and straphangers.
“With more snow expected throughout the day tomorrow, our city agencies are prepared, and we encourage all New Yorkers to plan for a messier commute and take the necessary precautions to remain safe,” Mayor Adams said.
The snow is slated to taper off by nightfall, but the cold weather will persist through the weekend.
“Cold conditions continue through the weekend, allowing snow to stick around,” NYC Emergency Management said. “Temperatures will remain several degrees below the norm with lows in the low 20s to upper teens and wind chills in the teens to single digits.”
“Wind chills could approach zero over the weekend with gusty winds of 20 to 30 mph,” the agency added. “Subfreezing temperatures will persist until Monday.”
Other city agencies are responding to the impending storm, too.
The Department of Sanitation issued a snow alert for Friday that will be in effect from 3 a.m. until 1 a.m. on Saturday. The department is also coordinating with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation on how best to clear the snow. The Sanitation Department is also spreading salt and brine on roads and bike lanes ahead of the precipitation.
Property owners remain responsible for clearing sidewalks.
The department said there could be slight trash and recycling collection delays, but residents are encouraged to follow their regular schedule.
The city Department of Homeless Services also issued a Code Blue and sent outreach teams to canvass all five boroughs and connect those in need to shelter.
On Tuesday, New Yorkers saw their first significant snowfall for the first time in nearly two years. By the end of the night, approximately 1.7 inches blanketed Central Park, bringing an end to a 700-day streak of no snow accumulation.
In New Jersey, residents in some areas could see between 3 and 6 inches of the white stuff before the weekend kicks off. As a result, the NWS warned of slippery roads during the day and icy, dangerous conditions overnight as temperatures drop
The agency has issued a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday for 15 of the state’s 21 counties.
Pennsylvania is also expected to get walloped with some additional snowfall on Friday. Forecasters said between 2 and 4 inches could fall on different parts of the state.
Ahead of the winter storm, Amtrak canceled at least 12 trains along the Northeast Corridor line between Washington, New York and Boston.