Winter storm brings mix of snow and rain to parts of NY, NJ

NEW YORK - A messy winter storm swept across New York and New Jersey Tuesday, bringing a mix of heavy rain, wet snow and pockets of ice that snarled travel through both the morning and evening commutes. 

What we know:

New York City, Long Island and southern New Jersey experienced a primarily rain-driven storm, while areas north and west of the city — including parts of Sussex County, Sullivan County and Ulster County — saw significant snowfall and an icy mix that made travel hazardous. 

Winter weather advisories and storm warnings were in effect until 6 p.m. Coastal areas experienced steady rain through the afternoon, while northern counties totaled up to a half-foot of snow before conditions could improve tonight.

What we know:

According to the National Weather Service, the system, which also prompted dozens of school closings across the region, was expected to bring up to 5 inches of snow to parts of New York and New Jersey.

Snow in Orange County

Parts of New York City saw mainly rain through the morning, but areas just north of the city experienced steady and accumulating snow as the storm moved in. 

In Orange County, conditions became increasingly messy, with a few inches of snow on the ground by midday and hazardous travel reported along I-87 as rain abruptly transitioned to heavy, wet snow. 

Drivers were forced to slow to about 40 mph as visibility dropped and road surfaces deteriorated. 

At Woodbury Common, shoppers continued to fill the outlets despite the weather, while crews worked continuously to clear sidewalks and parking lots. 

Schools across Orange County and northern Westchester were closed due to poor road conditions, reflecting the rapid deterioration in areas where the storm shifted from rain to accumulating snow.

NJ State of emergency

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Monday evening, citing "significant impacts" expected from snow, rain and icing in the northern half of the state. The declaration allows state agencies to coordinate resources and support local emergency response efforts. 

Dig deeper:

In Putnam, Rockland and Western Passaic counties, a Winter Weather Advisory remained in effect until 10 p.m., with 1 to 3 inches of wet snow expected. 

Slick conditions are likely on roads, bridges and overpasses.

Sussex County, New Jersey, remained under an advisory through 7 p.m., with 1 to 3 inches of snow, locally up to 4 inches in higher elevations, and a light glaze of ice possible.

Warren County, New Jersey, along with Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, remained under an advisory until 1 p.m., with 1 to 3 inches of snow, up to 4 inches in elevated terrain, and minor icing anticipated. 

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