Winter storm watch for NYC and NJ: See latest snow timeline, predictions, updates from officials
NYC snowstorm forecast
As the sun rises Sunday morning, snow will be falling from northern Virginia to potentially as far north as the New York tri-state area. FOX 5 NY's meteorologist Mike Woods has the latest.
NEW YORK - A winter storm watch remains in effect for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as forecasters warn a powerful system could bring heavy snow, hazardous travel and prolonged frigid temperatures from late Saturday night into Monday.
This graphic displays the future radar and pressure for the winter storm charging east through Monday. (FOX Weather)
On Friday morning, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency.
What we know:
The National Weather Service says the storm could deliver 8 to 18 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, particularly away from the coast.
- Stay connected with FOX LOCAL. For winter storm coverage — Download Now.
Officials are urging residents to prepare now as confidence grows in a high-impact winter event.
NYC SNOWSTORM THIS WEEKEND: STATE OF EMERGENCY | SCHOOLS | TIMELINE | TOTALS | FLIGHTS | LIVE RADAR
- MORE: New Jersey winter storm forecast: 8-18 inches of snow
- MORE: Winter storm watch issued in NYC for weekend snow
- MORE: Will snow cancel school in NYC? What to know
Snow potential. (FOX Weather)
NYC schools: Will classes be closed?
NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 27: Children and adults sled in the snow in Brooklyn after an overnight storm on December 27, 2025 in New York City. The New York City metro area received over 4 inches of snow, the first time the city has recorded over 4 inc
As of Friday, no decision has been announced regarding school closures or a shift to remote learning.
Mamdani says January 26 will not be ‘traditional snow day’
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told NY1 this morning that Monday will either be a remote day or, in person, not a snow day.
Mamdani has said the city will make a call once the forecast becomes clearer. Chancellor Samuels previously said that virtual learning remains an option, though details have not been finalized.
According to the NYC school calendar, Monday is a Professional Development Day for high schools and schools serving grades 6–12, meaning those students are not scheduled to attend in person. All other students are currently scheduled to attend school.
Families are urged to monitor official city and school communications as the storm approaches.
When is the winter storm coming?
Timeline:
Snow is expected to begin late Saturday night, becoming widespread by early Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service and FOX Weather.
Winter Weather Alerts. (FOX Weather)
As the sun rises Sunday morning, snow will likely be falling from northern Virginia all the way up into the New York Tri-State area. Forecasters say snow will intensify through the day Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall likely from Sunday morning into early Sunday evening.
How much snow are we getting Sunday?
By the numbers:
The National Weather Service forecasts total snow accumulations between 8 and 14 inches across portions of southeast New York, northeast New Jersey and southern Connecticut.
Snowfall rates could reach up to 1 inch per hour at times Sunday, increasing the risk of rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
Along coastal areas, snow could briefly mix with sleet Sunday evening, which may limit accumulations there. Higher totals are expected farther inland.
How much snow will NJ get this weekend?
The National Weather Service’s latest storm total snow forecast shows widespread snowfall amounts ranging from 8 to 18 inches across New Jersey, with the highest totals expected farther north and lower amounts closer to the coast.
While exact totals are still uncertain, computer forecast guidance shows high confidence for widespread accumulating snow across the state. Based on current projections:
- Much of central and northern New Jersey could see 8 to 12 inches or more of snow.
- Some areas could exceed a foot of snow if the storm strengthens offshore and tracks farther north.
- Portions of southern New Jersey may also see significant snow, though totals there depend more on how much mixing occurs.
Winter storm watch NYC: What it means
This graphic displays the set up of the major winter storm forecast to dump snow along the I-95 corridor from Richmond to Boston. Uncertainty still remains as to how when and how the brewing area of low pressure will develop. (FOX Weather) ( )
Winter Storm Watches are now posted from Washington, D.C., through New York City and into Boston, with forecasters saying they are likely to be upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings or Advisories as the storm draws closer.
"Technically this may not be a blizzard," FOX 5 NY meteorologist Mike Woods said, noting that blizzard criteria require sustained winds of 35 mph with near-zero visibility for three hours. "But there will probably be points in time where blizzard-like conditions happen across parts of the tri-state."
File Photo.
The NWS warns that roads — especially bridges and overpasses — could become slick and dangerous, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile in blowing and falling snow.
When will the snow stop?
Forecasters say the storm should begin to wind down Monday from west to east, but snow and ice could linger as extremely cold temperatures lock in winter conditions across the region.
A deep freeze is expected to follow, with temperatures remaining well below freezing and dangerous wind chills possible into the middle of next week.
Why are meteorologists watching the polar vortex?
Meteorologists are also watching the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air that typically remains over the Arctic.
Several key questions remain as millions of Americans are threatened by winter weather this weekend. (FOX Weather) ( )
When the polar vortex weakens or shifts, it can allow Arctic air to move farther south, increasing the chances of prolonged cold and snow across parts of the United States.
NYC-area flight delays tracker, cancellations
Latest airport disruptions as of 7am. (FOX Weather)
The storm is expected to impact the vast majority of air travel across the area. Travel experts advised people flying this weekend to get ahead of the storm.
The New York City tri-state area could see over a foot of snow for the first time since 2021, when over 17 inches were recorded.
Holiday travelers wait to board New Jersey Transit (NJT) trains at Penn Station in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013. Heavy rain will fall today from Atlanta to Boston while sleet and snow are forecast farther to the west as the heaviest tr
New Jersey Transit, Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road in the northeast advised customers they would share live updates on train departures and any delays.
MAPLEWOOD, NJ - FEBRUARY 26: An NJ Transit Midtown Direct train travels slowly into the station February 26, 2010 in Maplewood, New Jersey. Over a foot of powdery, drifting snow fell overnight, closing area schools and delaying commuter trains. (Phot
"We are closely monitoring the path of the next winter storm," a statement from Amtrak Northeast reads. "Depending on the path of the storm, service adjustments may be necessary."
FOX Weather live updates
NYC weather radar
More information regarding the upcoming winter storm can be found here.
Stay ahead of the snow with FOX 5 NY’s expert meteorologists, streaming LIVE on FOX LOCAL. We’re streaming nonstop coverage with the newest forecasts, snow potential and preparation tips — before the storm and all weekend long. Download FOX LOCAL for 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices.
The Source: This article includes information from the National Weather Service and FOX Weather.