Winter storm hits New York area with snow and ice
NEW YORK - The worst of the relentless winter weather that crippled parts of Texas and the south is making its way out of our area, but it's still not over yet.
Much of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey remains under a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the national National Weather Service until 7 p.m. on Friday. The winter storm is projected to drop another 1 to 3 inches of snow through Friday afternoon, while ice accumulations of a light glaze are also possible.
Total snow accumulations are still expected to come in at around 5 to 9 inches.
The combination of snow and rain is expected to make roads icy and dangerous in some areas.
"A light mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected through the evening commute. Little additional snow and sleet accumulation is expected [Thursday] evening, but a light glaze of ice is likely on untreated and elevated surface," NWS said in a statement. "Temperatures will hold in the upper 20s through the evening commute, making for locally dangerous travel conditions. Extra caution should be used if traveling this evening into tonight."
NEW JERSEY
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for much of the state.
Mixed precipitation will bring an additional 1 to 3 inches of snowfall, with ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch, according to the National Weather Service.
Snowstorm cancels COVID vaccinations in NJ
Winter weather has crippled vaccine distribution across the nation, with some major hubs in our area closed due to the weather. But the bigger problem may come in the days ahead, because the doses needed to keep appointments are being help up by the weather.
The weather service said motorists should be careful about slippery road conditions that could impact the morning or evening commutes.
The snowy and wet weather prompted some vaccination locations to shut down for the day, officials said.
NEW YORK
In New York, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday for all of New York City, all of Long Island, and counties in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
New York City's Emergency Management Department issued a hazardous travel advisory for Thursday and Friday.
The Sanitation Department has also deployed salt spreaders and plows to keep the roads clear as more snow is expected to fall overnight.
Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended through Saturday, Feb. 20, to facilitate snow removal.
The Staten Island Ferry was operating on a modified schedule during the Thursday evening rush, with service approximately every 20 minutes.
The operator of the SeaStreak Ferry announced that service on Friday will be on a modified schedule due to the weather conditions.
CONNECTICUT
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for much of Connecticut until 7 p.m. on Friday. The National Weather Service is forecasting additional snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches, along with ice accumulations of a light glaze.
Officials say drivers should plan on slippery road conditions and a potentially hazardous morning commute.
Download the FREE Fox 5 NY weather app and always stay updated on storms. iOS from Apple App Store or Android from Google Play Store
TERMINOLOGY
What Is a 'Warning'?
NWS definition: "A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property."
What Does 'Heavy Snow' Mean?
NWS definition: Heavy snow generally means snowfall accumulating to 4 inches or more in depth in 12 hours or less or snowfall accumulating to 6 inches or more in depth in 24 hours or less.
STORM PREP
Notify NYC is urging New Yorkers to prepare in case of power outages by charging cell phones, gathering supplies, and turning refrigerator and freezers to a colder setting.
During an Outage
- Stay clear of downed power lines
- Turn off all appliances
- Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed
- Do not use generators indoors