NYC Faces Up to 10 Inches of Snow as Fast-Moving Storm Approaches
New York City is set to experience a belated white Christmas as a fast-moving snowstorm threatens to drop up to 10 inches of snow from Friday into early Saturday, prompting a winter storm watch and warnings of hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to begin falling across the region late Friday afternoon and intensify into the evening as temperatures dip into the high 20s. The heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur Friday night, potentially creating significant travel delays and disruptions during the busy post-holiday period.
The winter storm watch will be in effect from 4 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday for New York City, northeast New Jersey, the lower Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
Forecasters predict total snow accumulations between 4 to 8 inches for the metro area by early Saturday afternoon. However, the National Weather Service has warned that a “reasonable worst-case scenario” could result in totals as high as 10 inches if snowfall intensifies overnight.
Hourly snowfall rates of about one inch are expected during the height of the storm, though the weather service noted there's still a “low” chance of localized snow bands producing up to 2 inches per hour.
The timing of the storm is expected to interfere with post-holiday activities, including gift returns and holiday travel, as flurries ramp up during peak Friday evening hours. Meteorologists are urging New Yorkers to prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions and to monitor weather updates as the situation evolves.
As the city braces for its first major snowfall of the season, Central Park and other parts of Manhattan could see accumulations that create postcard-perfect winter scenes - alongside the logistical headaches that tend to follow significant snow events in the densely populated region.