New York Winter Storm Update: Snowfall Totals Lowered for New York City and Northeast New Jersey as Heavier Snow Shifts Into Connecticut and Long Island
NEW YORK — Forecasters have lowered expected snowfall totals for New York City and northeast New Jersey after a northeastward shift in the storm’s precipitation type, while parts of Connecticut and Long Island remain on track to see significantly higher snow accumulations through Saturday afternoon.
According to updated briefing materials released Friday evening by the National Weather Service – NWS New York, NY, warmer air aloft pushing farther inland has increased the likelihood of mixed precipitation near the coast, reducing snow totals in the immediate NYC metro area.
Snowfall Forecast: Where Totals Were Lowered
The most notable reductions are centered on New York City, Newark, and nearby portions of northeast New Jersey, where snow is expected to be lighter and mixed at times.
- New York City: Around 4–5 inches, including 4.5 inches near JFK
- Newark, NJ: Near 4 inches
- Paramus, NJ: Around 5 inches
These areas are more likely to experience periods of sleet or rain mixing in, limiting overall snow accumulation compared to earlier forecasts.
Heaviest Snow Now Focused in Connecticut and Long Island
Farther northeast, colder air remains firmly in place, supporting higher snowfall totals across much of Connecticut and eastern Long Island.
Forecast totals include:
- Danbury, CT: Up to 9.9 inches
- New Haven, CT: Around 9.2 inches
- Bridgeport, CT: Near 9.7 inches
- Waterbury, CT: Around 8.6 inches
- Middletown, CT: Near 9 inches
On Long Island, snow totals increase sharply east of New York City:
- Syosset: About 7.5 inches
- Islip: Around 8.6 inches
- Westhampton: Near 9.3 inches
- Montauk: Close to 7.9 inches
Why the Forecast Changed
Meteorologists say the reduction in snowfall near NYC is due to a northeastward shift of the rain–snow transition zone, allowing warmer air to intrude farther inland than previously expected.
This subtle shift has a major impact on totals, as even brief periods of sleet or rain can significantly cut snow accumulation during a coastal winter storm.
Timing and Travel Impacts
- Snow ongoing: Friday afternoon and evening
- Heaviest snowfall: Friday evening into early Saturday
- Tapering off: By early Saturday afternoon
Even with lowered totals in the NYC metro area, road conditions may still deteriorate quickly, especially overnight. In Connecticut and eastern Long Island, heavier snow rates could make travel hazardous through Saturday morning.
What Residents Should Expect
Officials urge residents across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to remain cautious:
- Expect slick roads and reduced visibility
- Allow extra travel time Friday night and Saturday morning
- Monitor local alerts for any last-minute changes
Small additional shifts in temperature could still alter snowfall totals near the rain–snow line.
What Happens Next
Forecasters will continue monitoring the storm’s evolution through Saturday, but confidence is increasing that Connecticut and eastern Long Island will see the brunt of the snowfall, while New York City and northeast New Jersey experience a lower-impact event than initially projected.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for ongoing updates, refined snowfall forecasts, and travel advisories as this New York winter storm continues to unfold.