This weekend, we can expect to experience another round of wintry weather as a new system approaches our region. The incoming system will bring a combination of snow, sleet, and rain, adding to the stormy pattern that has persisted in recent days.
The Lower Hudson Valley, Southern Connecticut, and northwestern interior portions of NE New Jersey are currently under Winter Storm Warnings as issued by the National Weather Service. The rest of the area, including New York City, is under a Winter Weather Advisory.
According to Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Lee Goldberg, this particular storm is expected to bring more snow than the one we experienced on Thursday, particularly in the northern areas.
The snowfall is expected to begin in the evening on Saturday and last through Sunday morning. In the immediate New York City area and areas to the north and west, the majority of precipitation will be in the form of snow. However, closer to the city, there may be some mixing of snow, sleet, and rain. Along the southern region and coast, there will be a mixture of sleet and rain.
Snowfall forecasts vary for different areas around New York City. South of the city, there may be a light dusting to 2 inches of snowfall. In the New York City metro area, as well as northern New Jersey and Long Island, the expected snowfall ranges from 2 to 4 inches. North of the city, residents can anticipate a heavier snowfall of 4 to 8 inches.
New York City winter storm preparations
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New York City’s Office of Emergency Management has taken proactive measures to brace for the upcoming storm. To ensure the safety of its residents, the office has activated its Winter Weather Emergency Plan and issued a travel advisory for Saturday night into Sunday.
“Our city agencies stand prepared to respond and ensure the safety of New Yorkers as we anticipate freezing temperatures and snowfall this weekend,” stated New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The Department of Sanitation has issued a Snow Alert for Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. This alert is a “higher level” snow-fighting notification.
Starting at midnight on Saturday, the Department of Sanitation of New York (DSNY) will commence the process of applying salt to both car lanes and bike lanes. Additionally, salt operations will be initiated as soon as any sign of precipitation is detected. In order to tackle the winter weather conditions, DSNY will deploy a dedicated team of thousands working in 12-hour shifts. Their responsibilities will include spreading salt, attaching plows to collection trucks, and operating these plows when snow accumulations reach a depth of two inches. This concerted effort can be likened to a highly anticipated cavalry, ready to confront any severe winter storm that comes their way.
As of now, there are no expected modifications to the collection operations on Saturday. New Yorkers should stick to their usual schedule for trash, recycling, and compostable material unless they receive any notification stating otherwise.
The Department is fully prepared for the winter season with over 700 salt spreaders filled and ready to go. They have also stocked up on approximately 700 million pounds of salt, which is a record-breaking amount. Additionally, the Department has implemented new high-tech methods to track snow operations, ensuring efficient and effective snow management.
On Saturday, Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended to ensure smooth snow operations. However, it is important to note that payment at parking meters will still be required in all areas of the city.
New Jersey winter storm preparations
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has implemented travel restrictions for commercial vehicles on several Interstate highways starting on Saturday at 3 p.m. These restrictions, however, do not apply to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway.
More storms to follow
The storm train continues its momentum, pushing forward into the upcoming week. There is a strong possibility of snowfall on Tuesday in the afternoon and evening, followed by a transition to a wintry mix and eventually rain on Thursday.
