NEW YORK – A strong nor’easter is bringing rare blizzard warnings to a large part of the Northeast, including New York City for the first time in almost 10 years.
The National Weather Service (NWS) expects 12 to 18 inches of heavy, wet snow, with higher totals in a few areas. At the same time, wind gusts could reach 55 mph. As a result, blizzard conditions may develop, with near-zero visibility and travel that turns dangerous fast.
Meteorologists say this coastal storm is strengthening quickly as it pushes north. It could affect tens of millions of people from Delaware to southern New England. Blizzard warnings include: New York City, Long Island, much of New Jersey, southern Connecticut, and nearby coastal areas.
The warning period runs from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. Because the snow will fall hard and the winds will stay strong, officials want people to prepare now and avoid unnecessary trips.
Storm Timeline and Rapid Strengthening
Snow should start lightly in some places Sunday morning, then ramp up quickly. By Sunday afternoon and into the night, the strongest snow bands move in. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest bursts, and some bands could briefly hit 2 to 3 inches per hour.
- Sunday morning (Feb. 22): Light to moderate snow spreads into New York City and nearby areas.
- Sunday afternoon and evening: Snow turns heavier, winds increase, and visibility drops because of blowing snow.
- Sunday night into Monday morning: The storm reaches its worst, with whiteouts, peak totals, and the strongest gusts.
- Monday afternoon and evening: Snow fades from west to east, although impacts linger on Long Island and in some northern spots into Monday night.
Forecasters also expect the system to deepen fast offshore, which can drive very strong wind gusts near the coast.
Expected Snow Totals and Where the Worst Hits
Most projections show 12 to 18 inches across a wide stretch of the Northeast. The highest totals should sit closer to the coast and near the storm’s center. In New York City, many neighborhoods could pick up 13 to 17 inches. A few locations could push closer to 20 inches if the heaviest bands stall.
- New York City metro: 12 to 18 inches, with isolated totals of 20 inches or more possible.
- Long Island and coastal Connecticut: Some of the biggest totals, with pockets above 18 inches.
- Coastal New Jersey and Delaware: About 10 to 18 inches within blizzard warning areas.
- Boston and southern New England: Blizzard warnings expanding, with similar heavy snow expected.
- Farther inland: Winter storm warnings, with slightly lower totals but major travel impacts.
Because temperatures sit close to freezing, the snow should be heavy and wet. That raises the risk of downed branches, power outages, and slow, difficult snow removal.
Blizzard Warning Conditions and Major Travel Problems
Blizzard conditions happen when strong winds and heavy snow combine to keep visibility near or below one-quarter mile for at least three hours. That setup looks most likely Sunday night into Monday morning, when winds and snowfall both peak. In other words, whiteout conditions could appear quickly and linger.
Travel disruptions could be widespread:
- Major routes such as I-95, I-87, and the Long Island Expressway could become unsafe or even impassable.
- Public transit, including MTA subways, buses, and commuter rail lines, could face major delays or shutdowns.
- Airports in New York, Newark, and Boston expect many cancellations and long delays.
- Officials warn travel may turn life-threatening, so people should stay off the roads unless they must go out.
Along the coast, flooding also remains a concern. Higher tides could bring moderate to major flooding to vulnerable shorelines in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Government Response and Safety Tips
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the forecast changed quickly, and she called the storm dangerous and potentially life-threatening. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also urged residents to stay calm, get ready early, and avoid taking chances.
Officials recommend a few simple steps:
- Stock essentials, including food, water, medicine, batteries, and heating fuel.
- Get ready for power outages, charge devices, and plan for safe backup heat.
- Shovel early if you can do it safely, because heavy snow gets harder to move.
- Check on older neighbors and anyone with medical needs.
- Skip nonessential travel, and if you must drive, use extreme caution and carry proper winter gear.
Emergency crews are already on alert, with equipment and teams placed to handle plowing, towing, and stranded drivers.
Why This Storm Stands Out
New York City last saw a blizzard warning in 2017, so this level of alert is unusual for such a crowded area. Over the past two days, forecasts shifted from lighter snow to a major nor’easter, which shows how quickly coastal storms can change.
With Monday closures likely for many schools and some businesses moving to remote work, daily routines could pause across much of the Northeast. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service and local officials, and stay inside if you can. This storm could rank among the region’s biggest in years.
