Winter Storm Hits NYC Area, Bringing Up to 8 Inches of Snow

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — A winter storm swept through the New York City metropolitan area Sunday, dropping 3 to 5 inches of snow across the five boroughs and up to 8 inches in parts of the tri-state region. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the city and a winter storm warning for inland areas, with the heaviest snowfall expected in northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency Saturday, urging residents to stay off the roads. “As always, I urge all New Jerseyans to use caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Murphy said in a statement.

Snow began falling before noon Sunday, with temperatures dropping below freezing. The storm intensified in the afternoon, tapering off just after midnight. Along the Jersey Coast and eastern Long Island, initial rain and snow mix transitioned to all snow, resulting in slightly lower accumulations in coastal areas.

Forecasters predict 3 to 5 inches of snow for the New York City metro area, while higher elevations in northwest New Jersey and the Hudson Valley could see up to a foot of snow. The storm is expected to create hazardous travel conditions, with slippery roads and reduced visibility.

The snow will be followed by a deep freeze, with temperatures plummeting into the teens and 20s early next week. Morning lows in the city could dip into the single digits, with wind chills making conditions feel sub-zero. “We’ll experience the coldest blast of air of the season, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday being the worst,” the National Weather Service reported.

Residents are advised to prepare for prolonged cold weather and to dress appropriately for outdoor activities like shoveling or sledding. The snow that fell Sunday is expected to remain on the ground for several days due to the frigid temperatures.