Brace for Snow: NYC’s Post-Christmas Storm

BREAKING NOW: A fast building winter storm is locking onto the New York City metro and much of upstate New York. Heavy, wet snow and pockets of ice are likely to snarl holiday travel and strain power lines. I am tracking the storm’s core and the rain snow line in real time on our weather channel. This will move in quickly, and it will hit hard. ❄️

What to expect in the next 48 hours

Snow arrives first across New Jersey and the five boroughs, then spreads north this evening. The heaviest bands look set to develop overnight into the morning commute. Air near the surface hovers around freezing, so any small shift can flip snow to sleet or freezing rain near the coast.

Plan for several inches in New York City and parts of New Jersey, with pockets near 8 inches where snow stays steady. North and west of the city, totals rise and the risk of glazing ice increases. Upstate communities face longer hours of snow and ice, with travel becoming dangerous at times. Gusty winds will push visibility down in heavy bursts.

Why this storm is packing extra punch

The Atlantic is warmer than average for late December. That warm water feeds moisture into coastal storms. When cold air drops in at the right time, it wrings out heavy, wet snow. That kind of snow sticks to trees and lines, and it brings a higher risk of power outages.

A kink in the jet stream is steering this system right along the coast. That path raises the chance for a tight rain snow line near the city. Urban heat from buildings and roads can nudge some neighborhoods toward sleet, while nearby areas stay all snow. Freeze and thaw cycles also lift the risk of black ice on sidewalks, bridges, and overpasses.

Travel and safety guidance

Local advisories are active across the region. Expect slower roads, scattered flight delays, and some cancellations as the storm peaks. Rail and bus service could adjust if ice builds on lines or roads. If you must travel, leave early, move slowly, and keep distance.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freeze
• Pack a small kit with water, snacks, and a blanket
• Carry a scraper and sand or kitty litter for traction
• Check airlines and transit apps before you head out

Keep heat, power, and water safe at home

Heavy, wet snow adds weight to tree limbs. Ice can build on wires. Short, local outages are possible, especially north and west of the city. Prepare now so you can ride out a few hours without power or heat if needed.

1. Charge phones, power banks, and medical devices now
2. Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest safe setting
3. Lower your thermostat a degree or two to ease grid stress
4. Clear outdoor vents and hydrants before snow piles up
5. If you use a generator, keep it outside and far from windows

Sustainability in the snow

How we respond matters for our health and our climate. Shovel early and often to reduce your need for road salt. Salt runoff harms streams and trees. If you must use it, spread lightly and avoid gardens. Sand can add grip without the chemical load.

Plan low carbon choices where possible. Combine trips, carpool, or use transit if service is stable and safe. Avoid idling, it wastes fuel and adds pollution that lingers in cold, still air. Clear storm drains and corners near your home so melting snow can flow. That small step prevents street ice and reduces flood risk when temperatures swing.

This storm is a clear signal. Warmer oceans load the atmosphere with more moisture. When cold air meets that fuel, we get high impact snow and ice. Building resilience now, at home and on our streets, helps us face the next system with less risk.

The next 24 hours are critical. I will continue to update snowfall bands, ice zones, and timing on our weather channel as the storm evolves. Keep your plan simple, stay alert, and check on neighbors who may need help. We can ride this out, with care and patience. Stay safe out there. 🌨️