STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— A major storm system is developing but is currently expected to track offshore, preventing a significant snowfall event for Staten Island and the rest of New York City, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said.
According to Kines, precipitation will take place Wednesday night and through the day on Thursday in the form of rain, as temperatures are expected to be above freezing during this window. Temperatures on Thursday are expected to reach the lower 40s, allowing surfaces to become wet from rain.
There is a possibility, Kines said, that some wet snow could begin to mix with the rain on Thursday afternoon. This transition would signal the arrival of colder air and precede the period of concern for light, accumulating snow later that night.
Kines said the snowfall totals are contingent upon the unknown pathway the systems will take.
“We’re not totally sure of the particular track the systems will take,” Kines said.
Kines predicted that it is highly likely the storm systems will remain out at sea and the eye of the storm will pass by Staten Island without making a direct impact.
Since the storm is currently projected to stay off of land, it is not expected to produce a significant snowfall event for the borough, Kines said.
Despite the larger storm system staying offshore, there is a possibility of light snow accumulation of an inch or less Thursday night.
Kines warned that even a “little bit of snow” Thursday evening could be enough to cause some slick conditions across the area. The conditions will result in the snow sticking to surfaces during the overnight hours.
Kines cautioned that the forecast is not set in stone. He noted that there are still ways the forecast could change, and the possibility of a more significant snowfall that requires shoveling has not been entirely ruled out.
A potential hazard to watch for is the formation of ice due to a “freezing melting pattern.” As temperatures begin to fall later on Thursday afternoon and into Thursday night, wet spots could freeze, creating patches of black ice on roads and walkways.
“That’s a time period that we’re concerned about,” Kines said.
There is also a potential for gusty winds to accompany the weather system, Kines noted. The forecaster indicated this could happen Thursday night into Friday.
Looking ahead to the following week, the early forecast appears favorable. The forecaster stated that the early part of the week, including the Martin Luther King Day holiday, does not look “too bad” with temperatures projected to be in the 30s and dry.
“So if you’re off on Monday right now, it’s pretty decent for you,” Kines concluded.