Post-Christmas Winter Storm Could Bring New York City Its Biggest Snowfall in Years

A fast-moving winter storm is sweeping across the Great Lakes and Northeast, bringing snow, ice, and dangerous travel conditions, with the heaviest impacts still ahead. More than 23 million people are under winter storm warnings through Saturday, including New York City, which could see its biggest snowfall in several years.

The storm has already caused significant problems in Michigan, where an icy mix of precipitation has knocked out power to about 38,000 homes and businesses. Ice accumulation has weighed down trees and power lines, creating hazardous conditions across the state.

Winter storm warnings stretch from New York City into Connecticut and Long Island, and southwest into northern New Jersey. Interior parts of New York, including the Hudson Valley, Albany, and Binghamton, are also under warnings. New Jersey officials announced a state of emergency effective Friday afternoon, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

In the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas, snow and sleet are expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue overnight. Forecasts call for 5 to 9 inches of snow in parts of the Tri-State area, with heavier snowfall possible Friday evening. Some areas north and west of New York City could see more than 8 inches, though sleet mixing in could reduce totals within the city.

If current forecasts hold, New York City’s snow drought could come to an end. The last time the city recorded at least four inches of snow was January 7, 2022.

Philadelphia is expected to see a wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain, with potential accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Conditions will depend on how cold air interacts with the storm’s moisture.

Farther west, parts of Pennsylvania are under an ice storm warning, with ice accumulations of up to three-tenths of an inch possible. The National Weather Service warns that power outages, tree damage, and nearly impossible travel conditions are likely in those areas. Washington, DC, is expected to see mostly rain, though northern Maryland could experience some sleet and freezing rain.

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