NYC Braces for First Snow: Rain or Mix Expected

A coastal low-pressure system is poised to bring the first notable winter weather to the New York City region. While inland areas to the north and west of the city anticipate significant snowfall, potentially accumulating up to 7 inches, New York City itself is likely to experience a mix of rain and snow, or primarily rain. Any accumulation in the city would be the first of the season.

This incoming storm follows two powerful winter systems that impacted the U.S. over the recent Thanksgiving holiday. One system brought blizzard conditions to Michigan and winter storm warnings to the Great Lakes, while another system dropped over a foot of snow in the Midwest. While these past systems may have little direct impact on NYC, their moisture could interact with the current coastal low, potentially intensifying precipitation inland.

The developing storm exhibits some characteristics of a nor'easter, but its rapid movement and localized impacts may differentiate it from more severe events. Snowfall is expected to begin early Tuesday in northern and western inland areas, transitioning to a rain-snow mix closer to the coast. Temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing Tuesday night, creating a risk of refreezing on roads and sidewalks.