Northeast Winter Storm to Deliver Widespread 3–6 Inches, With Localized 6–10 Inch Totals Expected in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Long Island
CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND, NEW JERSEY, AND LONG ISLAND — A developing coastal storm is on track to bring the Northeast its most significant snowfall of December so far, with forecasts showing widespread 3–6 inch accumulations and the potential for isolated 6–10 inch pockets across the region. The storm will intensify Sunday night into early Tuesday, producing colder air, higher snowfall ratios, and the first notable winter impacts for millions from northern New Jersey to Providence and Cape Cod.
Snowfall Totals Rising as Storm Strengthens Offshore
Latest projections from NOAA, the RRFS model, and New York’s National Weather Service office show a well-organized storm system spreading a broad shield of snow across:
- Southern & Central Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Northern and Central New Jersey
- Long Island — especially Suffolk County
Most areas are expected to receive 3–6 inches, but as colder air filters in and snowfall ratios increase to 15:1, forecasters warn that accumulation could occur more quickly than typical coastal storms.
Long Island and Coastal Rhode Island Could See the Highest Totals
Forecast maps highlight several higher-risk zones where totals may exceed typical early-season snowfall:
Long Island (Suffolk County)
- Stony Brook: 10″ potential (high-end scenario)
- Islip: 9″
- Southampton / Montauk: 8–9″
A narrow band of enhanced lift may set up over eastern Long Island, allowing localized double-digit totals if heavier snow persists.
Connecticut
- Bridgeport: 3–4″
- New Haven: 5–7″ possible in high-end scenario
- Norwich: 4″
- Hartford & Waterbury: 2–4″
Interior Connecticut should see widespread accumulation, with heavier bursts possible overnight.
Rhode Island
- Providence: 3″
- Westerly to Narragansett: 3–5″
- Cape Cod & Islands nearby: 6–7″ (Barnstable already modeled at 6.7″)
New Jersey (Northern & Coastal Areas)
- Newark: 4–6″
- New Brunswick: 5–7″
- Paramus / West Milford: 6–7″
- Long Branch / Toms River: 5″+
South Jersey sees lower totals (1–3″), but central and northern counties are firmly in the 4–7″ range.
Snow Ratios Expected to Increase Overnight—Meaning More Fluffy, Fast-Accumulating Snow
Meteorologists note that the storm will begin with 10:1 ratios, but colder air arriving later Sunday should push totals toward a 15:1 snow ratio. This means:
- Smaller, fluffier snowflakes
- Faster accumulation
- Higher totals in areas under persistent bands
Even modest moisture amounts could translate to higher-than-expected snowfall.
Timing: When the Heaviest Snow Falls
Sunday Evening–Early Monday
- Snow moves in from west to east
- Roads begin to cover quickly in northern NJ and interior CT
Late Sunday Night–Monday Morning
- Heaviest snowfall band sweeps across Long Island, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
- Travel impacts likely during early-morning hours
- Visibility reductions expected in heavier pockets
Monday Afternoon–Tuesday
- Lighter snow lingers in eastern zones
- Tapering off from west to east by Tuesday morning
Travel Impacts Likely Across the Region
Even though this is not a blizzard or blockbuster winter storm, the combination of colder temperatures and sustained snowfall will create:
- Hazardous travel on I-95 from Newark → New Haven → Providence
- Snow-covered secondary roads and residential streets
- Slowdowns at Long Island Expressway, Garden State Parkway, and Connecticut Turnpike
- Possible school delays Monday
Road crews are preparing pretreatment as temperatures fall below freezing early in the event.
A True Early-Season Winter Landscape for the Eastern Northeast
For the first time this December, the entire corridor from New Jersey through Rhode Island and into coastal Massachusetts will see:
- Widespread shovelable snow
- Localized near-double-digit totals
- Cold enough temperatures to maintain accumulation
With another storm signal showing late next week, this snowfall may be just the beginning of a more active winter pattern.
WaldronNews.com will continue to track updates, revised totals, timing adjustments, and any winter weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service.