NYC Area Predicted to Have Largest Snow in Years on Friday

A strengthening winter storm is expected to move into the tri-state area on Friday, bringing accumulating snow from late Friday afternoon through Shabbos morning and greatly affecting regional travel.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning covering the entire metropolitan area, stretching from southern Connecticut through northeast New Jersey and into southeast New York. The warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Friday until 1 p.m. Shabbos.

Given the relatively mild winters in recent years, even a 4-inch snowfall would mark Central Park’s largest snow event since January 2022 – nearly four years ago – “but there could be even more snow if the forecast holds,” the NWS said.

Forecast models currently show snowfall totals of up to 6 inches across New York City, Long Island, and central New Jersey, with higher amounts expected elsewhere. Parts of the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey could see more than 8 inches, while elevated areas may receive close to a foot of snow.

For New York, Connecticut, and most of New Jersey, the storm is expected to fall entirely as snow, with temperatures remaining below freezing throughout the event. Areas farther southwest may experience a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain.

Snow may begin around 6 p.m. Friday, with precipitation intensifying overnight. The heaviest snowfall is expected between midnight and 6 a.m. Saturday, increasing the risk of difficult travel conditions.

In regions that see a wintry mix, light ice accumulation on roadways could make travel particularly hazardous Friday night into Saturday.

A second system is forecast to arrive Sunday night, bringing warmer temperatures and rain. That system is expected to melt some of the existing snow and could lead to isolated flooding and travel disruptions into Monday.

After the weekend storm systems move through, much colder air is expected to settle into the region as 2025 comes to a close and early 2026 begins.