A significant winter storm is currently battering the northeastern United States, with New York City and its surrounding regions bracing for heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. City officials and meteorologists have issued urgent warnings as the system moves in.
Mayor Adams Urges Public Caution as Snow Accumulates
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has proactively advised residents to plan ahead and restrict non-essential travel. A Winter Storm Warning is active for the city, with the most intense snowfall predicted for Friday evening. In a post on X, Mayor Adams highlighted the issuance of a Travel Advisory and asked commuters to adjust their plans.
"If you drove to work today, consider leaving before 4 PM or taking mass transit home," the Mayor stated. He cautioned that snow could start as early as 3 PM and accumulate quickly, with total depths reaching between 6 to 9 inches, and even higher amounts possible in northern parts of the city.
Adams confirmed that city agencies are on high alert. Sanitation crews have pre-treated roads and will begin plowing once two inches of snow have settled. The Winter Storm Warning remains effective until 1 PM on Saturday. Residents were reminded to stay warm, avoid roads, call 311 for heat loss, and sign up for NotifyNYC alerts.
National Weather Service Forecast and Widespread Impact
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued the Winter Storm Warning for a broad area from 4 PM Friday to 1 PM Saturday. The affected zones include New York City, Northeast New Jersey, Lower Hudson Valley, Nassau County, Western Suffolk County, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Eastern Suffolk and New Haven counties are under warning from 7 PM Friday.
The forecast predicts 5 to 9 inches of snow, with localized areas potentially receiving over 10 inches if intense snow bands develop. Snowfall rates could peak at 1 to 2 inches per hour, leading to snow-covered roads, sharply reduced visibility, and hazardous travel. Forecasters note some uncertainty in the exact placement of the heaviest snow, and a mix of sleet is possible overnight.
In parts of Connecticut, including Middlesex and New London counties, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect, forecasting 3 to 5 inches of snow.
Travel Chaos and Safety Guidance for Residents
The storm's impact on air travel has been severe. Data from Flightradar24 shows that over 500 flights were cancelled on Friday across New York's three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty. An additional 279 flights are already cancelled for Saturday as airlines take pre-emptive measures.
NYC Emergency Management has released detailed safety guidance. As flurries began Friday afternoon, residents were advised to prepare for intensifying conditions. Key recommendations include checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, avoiding the use of ovens for heating, and never leaving space heaters unattended. For outdoor safety, wearing layered clothing, being cautious on slippery surfaces, and bringing pets indoors are crucial.
With temperatures expected to stay in the mid to upper 20s Fahrenheit, snow accumulation will be significant. Officials continue to stress that public safety is the top priority as this major winter storm continues to unfold across the Northeast.
