A rapidly intensifying nor’easter is forecast to impact New York City and much of the Northeast from Sunday into Monday, bringing heavy snow, powerful winds, and dangerous blizzard conditions.
Stay with us for live updates on snowfall totals, travel disruptions, power outages, and safety advisories.
State of Emergency declared as blizzard targets NYC area
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday declared a State of Emergency in more than 20 counties and activated the New York National Guard ahead of a powerful blizzard expected to impact New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley.
Officials warn the storm could bring dangerous travel conditions, coastal flooding and widespread power outages.
Beginning Sunday, 100 National Guard members and 25 vehicles will be staged across downstate regions to assist with storm response. The State Emergency Operations Center will also activate Sunday morning. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for parts of the Hudson Valley, where 10 to 15 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph are possible. Additional counties are under Winter Storm Watches.
Transit agencies are adjusting service, and beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, empty commercial vehicles and tandem tractor trailers will be banned from I-84 and roads south of it, including sections of the Thruway. Hochul urged residents to prepare now, avoid unnecessary travel and monitor weather updates.
Blizzard conditions expected Sunday night into Monday
Forecasters say the storm will strengthen quickly offshore, producing snowfall rates of 1–2 inches per hour and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph. AccuWeather warns that heavy snow combined with strong winds could create blizzard conditions across Long Island, New York City, and coastal areas.
“The storm will be incredibly disruptive and dangerous,” said Carl Erickson, AccuWeather director of forecasting operations. “Blowing snow and near-zero visibility will make travel nearly impossible during the worst of the storm.”
The strongest winds are expected Sunday night into early Monday.
Blizzard and winter storm warnings issued for New York
The National Weather Service has issued:
Blizzard Warning (6 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday):
New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island)
Expected impacts:
Winter Storm Warning (same timeframe):
Expected impacts:
Reduced visibility and hazardous roads
Snow will begin Sunday morning and intensify through the evening.
Snowfall forecast across the region
Projected totals:
12–18 inches: Parts of Long Island and the Cape6–10 inches: New York City8–12 inches: Boston3–6 inches: Baltimore1–3 inches: Washington, D.C.
Localized higher amounts are possible if heavier snow bands develop.
Major travel disruptions expected
Highways, rail lines, and airports across the Northeast are expected to face significant delays.
AccuWeather estimates more than 2,500 flight cancellations Sunday into Monday.
Blowing and drifting snow could make roads impassable at times. Officials warn drivers could become stranded for hours during peak storm conditions.
Residents are urged to avoid nonessential travel.
Power outages and coastal flooding risks
Strong winds combined with heavy snow could bring scattered power outages, especially in coastal neighborhoods and areas where snow starts wet and heavy.
Coastal regions from Delmarva through Long Island face:
Possible coastal flooding during high tide
Travel safety guidance
If travel is unavoidable:
Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle (flashlight, food, water)
Drive slowly and allow extra stopping distance
Avoid sudden braking or acceleration
Check local DOT updates before heading out
If stranded, remain with your vehicle
Officials say travel during peak blizzard conditions could be life-threatening.
Storm context
This marks the fifth consecutive weekend of accumulating snow for parts of the Northeast. New York City has recorded 22.3 inches of snow this season, near its historical average of 22.1 inches. Recent bitter cold has already driven higher heating costs and widespread disruptions.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Blizzard warning for NYC: Live updates as powerful storm approaches