New York City could see significant snowfall this weekend if cold conditions hold up as a winter storm passes through, according to city officials and the National Weather Service.
The city could get anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of snow overnight Saturday, while parts of upstate New York, northeast New Jersey, and southern Connecticut could get 6 to 8 inches, the weather service said. The snow could start as early as mid-afternoon Saturday and intensify if temperatures drop below freezing.
The forecast has sparked a travel advisory in the five boroughs from Saturday evening through Sunday, with New Yorkers being urged to avoid driving and take mass transit if possible. A winter storm watch is also in effect for the entire region late Saturday into Sunday.
“If you have dinner plans, or if folks have plans to travel Saturday night, you might want to reconsider, or at the very least, certainly allow yourself extra time to get to that destination,” said Dominic Ramunni, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “We’re going to start to see milder air move in as we go early on Sunday morning, potentially changing that snow over to more of a wintry mix with sleet.”
The wintry mix could make travel messy on Sunday, especially on side roads, New York City Emergency Management said. In advance of the storm, alternate side parking has been suspended on Saturday, but parking meters will remain in effect.
Javier Lojan, acting commissioner of the city’s sanitation department, said snow removal crews will begin prepping heavily around midnight Friday. He said they will salt highway ramps, elevated roadways and protected bike lanes.
The city has a fleet of more than 700 salt spreaders, along with plows that will start clearing as soon as snow reaches more than 2 inches, officials said.
The freezing temperatures will also trigger a code-blue alert starting at 4 p.m. Friday, meaning the city’s outreach teams will direct homeless New Yorkers to shelters.
“Check on your neighbors, especially those who may need a little extra help, stay tuned to the forecast, and be sure to subscribe to Notify NYC for emergency alerts,” said Zachary Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, in a prepared statement.
Sunday evening and Monday are looking to be dry, according to the National Weather Service, but another winter storm could develop towards the middle of next week.
Amanda Rozon contributed reporting.