TIMELINE: When to expect the worst of the blizzard
A powerful winter storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions later this afternoon and will bring coastal flooding, whiteout conditions, and damaging wind overnight through Monday morning.
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Right now is the best time to prepare. On and off snow showers are expected across the area, mixed with rain showers for New Jersey, the city, and parts of Long Island. Impacts will be minor in the morning but slippery roads are possible in spots. Generally we expect totals to be under 2" in the tri-state until after 1 p.m.
2PM - 6PM: Hazardous Travel NJ / Rapid Deterioration Elsewhere
Blizzard warnings take effect across the region this afternoon with widespread snow in New Jersey by 1 p.m. Conditions will deteriorate across Long Island and the city by 5 or 6 p.m.
The wind will pick up through the afternoon approaching 40 mph by dinnertime. Visibility will drop significantly starting with the initial snow bands in New Jersey around 2 p.m. and then moving across the tristate by 4 or 5 p.m.
Snow totals will range from 2-4” across most of the tristate by dinnertime.
5PM - Midnight: Blizzard Conditions at Times
Widespread snow and wind gusts 35-45 mph are expected. Snowfall totals will range from 3-6” by midnight with locally higher totals possible.
Midnight - Monday 8 AM: The Worst of the Storm
Widespread blizzard conditions are likely and coastal flooding is expected during the overnight high tide. Snow bursts will move through the Jersey Shore and Long Island producing 2-4” snowfall rates per hour. Wind gusts will reach 45 to 55 mph along the coast and gusts could surpass 60 mph for the east end of Long Island.
Snowfall totals will be over 1 foot in most areas by sunrise on Monday with snow and intense wind continuing throughout the morning time.
Coastal Flooding Concerns
Coastal flooding is expected tonight into early Monday during high tide cycles.
Low-lying and waterfront areas could see:
1–2 feet of flooding
in parts of New York City and the Bronx.
Up to 2.5 feet
along Long Island Sound and Long Island shorelines.
Monday Morning: Snow Tapers, Impacts Continue
Snow is expected to begin tapering after 9 a.m on Monday, but conditions will remain hazardous due to:
Blowing and drifting snow
Snow-covered roads
Slow or limited transportation
Difficult commuting conditions
Strong winds will continue into Monday afternoon keeping visibility low in open areas.
Monday Evening: Gradual Improvement
Conditions should gradually improve late Monday afternoon as winds weaken and snowfall ends. However, cleanup efforts could take days in some neighborhoods.
What to know
Wrap of preparations:
as soon as possible this morning.
Worst conditions:
Sunday evening through early Monday.
Snowfall totals:
12”+ region-wide totals reach 24” in worst affected spots.
Travel:
Dangerous to near-impossible overnight and Monday.
Lingering impacts:
Power outages and coastal flooding expected by Monday morning. Major roads could remain snow covered into Tuesday.
