New York City is in for a rollercoaster of winter weather, with three separate storm systems expected to sweep through the region this week. While none of these storms will bring blizzard-like conditions, their combined impact could still cause slippery roads, travel delays, and even minor coastal flooding in some areas.
Each storm comes with its own unique challenges, from light snow to a messy mix of rain and ice, and meteorologists are closely tracking the final system, which could pack the biggest punch.
First Storm: A Quick Dusting, But Nothing Major
The first round of wintry weather is set to arrive late Tuesday into early Wednesday, but it won’t be a big deal for the city itself. Most of the heavier snow will stay south, hitting parts of Virginia and Washington, D.C., much harder.
For NYC, this system may only bring a dusting to an inch of fresh snow, adding to the four inches that fell over the weekend. While it won’t be a major snowstorm, untreated roads and sidewalks could get slick in the morning hours, so it’s a good idea to watch your step and give yourself extra time if you’re commuting.
Second Storm: Snow, Sleet, Then Rain
Things get a little trickier Wednesday night into Thursday morning, when another storm moves in bringing a wintry mix. This system will start as snow and sleet, but as temperatures rise, it will quickly switch to rain by Thursday morning.
At most, the city could see an inch of snow and ice before everything starts to melt away. However, the combination of melting snow and steady rain could lead to some large puddles and minor street flooding, especially in areas that don’t drain well.
If you’re out early Thursday morning, be prepared for slippery roads, slushy sidewalks, and a generally messy commute.
Third Storm: A Weekend Wild Card
The final storm in this trio is the biggest question mark. It’s set to arrive on Saturday, but meteorologists aren’t yet sure whether it will bring more snow, heavy rain, or a mix of both.
Right now, the forecast is on a razor-thin line between cold and warm air, which means the difference between several inches of snow or just a dreary rainstorm.
If the cold air wins out, NYC could get its biggest snowfall of the season so far. If not, expect another round of chilly rain. Either way, it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast as we get closer to the weekend.
Coastal Flooding Concerns for Some Areas
On top of the snow and rain, parts of the New York metro area are also under Coastal Flood Advisories due to strong onshore winds and rising tides.
- Southern Queens and Nassau County: Flooding could impact low-lying areas during high tide from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning.
- Bronx and Northern Queens: A Coastal Flood Statement has been issued, meaning some minor flooding is possible.
- Southern Westchester and Fairfield Counties: Another Coastal Flood Advisory warns of possible water levels rising along the shoreline.
If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to move your car to higher ground and avoid driving through flooded streets—even small amounts of water can be dangerous.
How to Prepare for the Week Ahead
With so much happening in the next few days, the best thing you can do is stay informed and be ready for changing conditions.
- Check the forecast daily – The weather is going to shift from snow to rain and back again, so keep up with updates.
- Leave extra time for travel – Even if it’s just a little snow or ice, the morning commute could get slick.
- Be prepared for flooding – If you live near the coast, take precautions and be aware of high tide times.
- Dress for wet and slushy conditions – Snow in the morning could turn into puddles by the afternoon, so waterproof shoes are a good idea.
- Keep an eye on the weekend forecast – The Saturday storm could be the biggest one of the week, so don’t let it sneak up on you.
Final Thoughts: A Week of Messy, Unpredictable Weather
No, these aren’t blockbuster storms, but taken together, they could still cause some headaches for New Yorkers.
Messy commutes, changing precipitation, and minor flooding could create plenty of disruptions, so it’s best to stay alert, plan ahead, and be ready for anything.
