(Bloomberg) — New York City is getting hit with its first significant snowstorm of winter, with as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) expected as the blast creates treacherous road conditions for the morning commute.
The first flakes started falling in Manhattan at about 2 a.m. local time, according to the National Weather Service, as storm warnings and advisories stretch from Kentucky to Maine. The service said roadways have become hazardous, with snow spread across the entire New York City area and temperatures near or below the freezing point.
While the system is expected to blow through the region quickly, it could dump as much as 1 inch per hour at times. Long Island could see as much as 7 inches of accumulation.
The fast-moving storm is propelled by gusty winds that will buffet the region after the snow has moved out to sea and may limit the amount that sticks on the ground, according to Tony Fracasso, a meteorologist with the U.S. Weather Prediction Center.
“It should be out of New York by late morning,” he said. “This is a moderate snow event. Not a blockbuster.”
Travel Advisories
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was expected to hold a meeting at 4 a.m. Local time to assess the storm response. Consolidated Edison Inc., the utility that serves much of New York City, warned of possible power outages.
Subways and buses in the city will be running. Crews were set to be out to make sure subway staircases and platforms are clear, according to Craig Cipriano, New York City Transit interim president.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. New Jersey is under a state of emergency, with commercial trucks banned or restricted on interstates.
Other regions will get hit harder. Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston may get 6 inches or more. Northeastern Maine could see as much as 12 inches by the end of the day, Fracasso said.
Before this storm, New York had recorded just 0.2 inches of snow in Central Park so far this season, well below the historical average of 6 1/2 inches, according to the National Weather Service. By this time in 2021, there had been more than 10 inches.
“Sometimes it takes a little time for winter to come in,” Fracasso said.
(Updates with National Weather Service notice in second paragraph, Long Island expected accumulation in third, mayor’s meeting in sixth.)
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