New York, New York – A winter storm is expected to hit the New York area this weekend, prompting a Red Alert from late Saturday into Sunday. The storm is predicted to bring a mix of snow, rain, and some wind, as well as minor coastal flooding. Another storm is on the horizon for Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a larger risk of inland flooding.
The timeline of the first storm is as follows: from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 4 a.m. on Sunday, rain and snow will continue with the rain/snow line moving into Westchester by 10-11 p.m. To the north of this line, there will be snow, while to the south, there will be rain. As the storm passes offshore, coastal areas may experience gusts of 35-40 mph, with isolated gusts approaching 50 mph in the far east on the Twin Forks.
From 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sunday, the storm will start to pull away, resulting in more scattered precipitation. Snow showers will swing around as winds shift from the northwest and colder air wraps around the backside.
The heaviest part of the storm will be over by 8 a.m., but light snow showers will continue to move across the area until late morning into early afternoon Sunday. There is not expected to be much additional accumulation, but a coating of snow may be possible in areas that had previously experienced more rain.
Snow totals will be highest to the north and west, with areas closer to the city and points south and east experiencing more rain than snow. Some areas may see 1-2 inches of rain. While some poor drainage flooding is possible, overall the flooding risk is not significant for this storm. This will change with the second storm on Tuesday.
Peak wind gusts of 35-40 mph are possible along the shore, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph in the Twin Forks. Further inland, gusts of 25-30 mph are expected. Minor coastal flooding is possible during Sunday’s morning high tide cycle, primarily for Suffolk and Nassau counties.
Looking ahead to the second storm, forecasters are becoming increasingly concerned. This storm is expected to track to the west, putting the area in the warm sector and resulting in heavy rain with the potential for 2-4 inches. Stronger winds and more problematic coastal flooding are also anticipated. Additionally, the storm poses a larger inland and river flooding threat, particularly for areas north and west which will have a significant amount of snow on the ground.
It is important to stay updated with the latest forecasts and weather alerts from the First Alert Weather team.
In summary, New York is bracing for a winter storm this weekend, with a second storm looming for midweek. The first storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, rain, and wind, with minor coastal flooding as a possibility. The second storm presents a greater risk of heavy rain, stronger winds, and inland flooding. Stay tuned for updates and follow the guidance of local weather authorities.