A blizzard warning was released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 2:44 a.m. valid from Sunday 6 a.m. until Monday 6 p.m. for Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens as well as Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau counties.
“Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 13 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph,” comments the weather service. “Strongest winds and blizzard conditions are expected to Sunday night into Monday. However, snow will move in during the morning and afternoon hours.”
“Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage,” says the weather service. “Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Check local Department of Transportation information services for the latest road conditions. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle.”
What to do during a blizzard warning
Blizzard warnings are issued by the weather service for frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more. A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions making travel extremely difficult. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help to arrive.