New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Brace for Widespread Snow and Wintry Mix as Tri-State Storm Disrupts Travel Friday Into Saturday
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — A strengthening winter storm is expected to impact the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, bringing widespread snow, periods of wintry mix, and hazardous travel conditions from Friday night into Saturday. Forecast data indicates the most significant snowfall will focus north and west of New York City, while southern and coastal areas see lighter totals and possible mixing.
The system is expected to arrive late Friday, intensify overnight, and continue affecting the region into early Saturday, coinciding with a high-impact travel window.
Heaviest Snow Focused North and West of New York City
According to the latest forecast guidance shown in regional snowfall projections, the highest confidence for heavy snow is across northeastern Pennsylvania and the lower Hudson Valley, extending into parts of northern New Jersey and interior New York.
These areas have the best chance of exceeding 6 inches of snowfall, particularly near and north of Scranton, PA, and into the Catskills and interior Hudson Valley. Cold air is expected to remain firmly in place here, allowing precipitation to fall primarily as snow throughout the event.
Localized higher totals are possible if snow bands set up and persist overnight.
New York City and Northern New Jersey Expect Moderate Accumulations
For New York City, northern New Jersey, and nearby suburbs, forecasts currently call for 3 to 6 inches of snow, with the bulk falling late Friday night into early Saturday morning.
While snow will be the dominant precipitation type for much of the event, forecasters note that brief mixing with sleet or freezing rain cannot be ruled out, especially closer to the coast. Even limited mixing could reduce snow totals slightly but would increase the risk of slick and icy road conditions.
Major urban corridors, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and northern New Jersey commuter routes, are expected to see slowed travel and snow-covered roads during the overnight hours.
Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia Region See Lighter Snow
Farther south, including southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia metro area, snowfall totals are expected to be lighter, generally in the 1 to 3 inch range, with some areas seeing little more than a coating.
Warmer air aloft and closer proximity to the storm’s rain-snow line increase the likelihood of mixed precipitation, especially south of Philadelphia. This will limit accumulation but still pose travel hazards, particularly during the onset of the storm Friday night.
Travel Conditions Likely to Deteriorate Rapidly
Regardless of snowfall totals, travel impacts are expected across much of the Tri-State area. Snow rates may be heavy at times overnight, reducing visibility and quickly covering untreated roads.
Airports across New York City, Newark, and surrounding hubs could experience delays, while highways and bridges may become slick as temperatures hover near or below freezing.
Officials urge residents to limit overnight travel, allow extra time Saturday morning, and monitor local advisories as conditions evolve.
Storm Timing and What to Expect Next
Snow is expected to develop from southwest to northeast late Friday, peak overnight, and gradually taper off from west to east Saturday morning. While confidence is high in the overall impact zones, small shifts in the storm track could still adjust snowfall totals, especially near the rain-snow transition zone.
Forecasters emphasize that even modest snowfall can create major disruptions when combined with overnight timing and cold road surfaces.
As winter weather takes aim at the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Tri-State region, residents are encouraged to stay informed, prepare for slower travel, and use caution through Saturday morning. For continued updates on regional winter storms, snowfall forecasts, and travel impacts, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.