A powerful winter storm is set to hit the city this weekend, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. New Yorkers should prepare for treacherous road conditions, flight delays, and potential power outages as this storm moves in.
Right now, the city is enjoying a temporary calm, with sunny skies and temperatures around 37°F (3°C) on this Friday, February 14. But don’t let that fool you—within the next 24 hours, conditions will take a dramatic turn, with the storm expected to bring travel disruptions, icy streets, and freezing temperatures.
What’s Coming?
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Saturday, February 15: Clouds will roll in early, and by the afternoon, snow and sleet will begin to fall. While initial accumulations may be light, conditions will quickly worsen. Heavier bursts of snow could reduce visibility, and untreated roads will turn slick. Expect a high of 38°F (3°C) and a low of 33°F (1°C), keeping conditions prime for ice to form.
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Sunday, February 16: The real trouble begins. As temperatures rise slightly, the snow will transition into freezing rain and sleet, making for extremely hazardous conditions. Ice-covered roads will create major driving risks, and sidewalks will be dangerously slippery. Later in the day, the precipitation may switch to rain, leading to localized flooding as the frozen ground struggles to absorb water. Temperatures will peak at 46°F (8°C) before dropping to 27°F (-3°C) overnight.
Why This Storm Is Dangerous
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Treacherous Roads: With snow, sleet, and rain all mixing together, road conditions will deteriorate rapidly. Ice patches will form, and even a thin layer of ice can make driving nearly impossible. Commuters should prepare for major traffic delays and potentially hazardous travel conditions.
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Reduced Visibility: Heavy snow bursts will create whiteout conditions at times, making it hard for drivers and pedestrians alike to navigate safely.
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Potential Flooding: By Sunday, the combination of melting snow and heavy rain could lead to water pooling in low-lying areas, causing localized flooding.
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Flight Delays & Cancellations: Airports in the New York area, including JFK and LaGuardia, are likely to see significant disruptions. If you have travel plans, be sure to check with your airline for updates.
What You Should Do Now
- Stay Off the Roads – If you don’t need to drive, don’t. If you must go out, drive slowly, keep extra distance from other vehicles, and watch for black ice.
- Stock Up on Essentials – Before the storm arrives, make sure you have enough groceries, water, and emergency supplies in case you get stuck indoors.
- Prepare for Power Outages – Icy conditions can bring down power lines. Charge your devices, have flashlights and extra batteries on hand, and consider keeping extra blankets nearby in case the heat goes out.
- Check Flight Status – If you’re flying this weekend, check for cancellations before heading to the airport. Expect delays, and be prepared for long waits.
- Be Cautious on Foot – Sidewalks will be extremely slippery, and falls on ice can cause serious injuries. Wear boots with good grip, walk slowly, and use handrails whenever possible.
Bottom Line
This storm is no joke. With a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and rain, conditions could turn deadly if precautions aren’t taken. Whether you’re driving, flying, or just walking to the store, stay alert and plan ahead.
The worst of the storm is expected to hit between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, so now is the time to prepare. Stay safe, New York
