A winter storm could dump a foot or more snow in some areas of the northeastern United States with a rare “thundersnow” phenomenon also expected.
Some of the highest snowfall totals were forecast for parts of New Jersey and southwestern Connecticut, where 12 to 15 inches were possible, according to the National Weather Service.
New York City is projected to see up to eight inches before Wednesday, the NWS forecasts.
Wind gusts could hit 60 mph (100 kph) off the Massachusetts coast and 40 mph (65 kph) in interior parts of southern New England.
“With several inches of snow, poor visibility on the roads, and possible coastal flooding heading our way, New Yorkers should prepare in advance,” mayor Eric Adams said, asking people to “stay home”.
Thundersnow — when lightning forms within a snowstorm — was witnessed in Nashville on Monday night, social media videos show, and may also hit New York City, NWS Meteorologist Bryan Ramsey told The Independent.
Key points
- Northeast braces for winter storm bringing snow and floods
- Upcoming winter storm could spark travel chaos
- Tuesday to bring strong wind gusts and floods
- What is thundersnow, the rare phenomenon that could hit New York City tonight?
Watch: Thundersnow in Nashville
10:00 , Stuti Mishra
The rare phenomenon of “thundersnow” – when thunderstorms and snowfall happen at the same time – was witnessed in Nashville on Monday night.
NYC officials issue code blue for unhoused people
09:04 , Stuti Mishra
Ahead of tonight’s winter storm, New York City has issued a “code blue,” which means shelters cannot deny unhoused people seeking a place to stay while it is in effect.
New York City officials will also run 24-hour drop-in centres and enlist volunteers to contact vulnerable people to inform them about the resources available.
Snow forecast for Tuesday
08:00 , Stuti Mishra
At least half a foot of snow is likely for parts of New York City and Long Island while areas of interior Connecticut and the Lower Hudson Valley could see closer to a foot of snow on Tuesday.
Here’s a map showing the latest forecast from National Weather Service (NWS).
Connecticut bans tractor-trailers from highways
06:53 , Stuti Mishra
All tractor-trailers are banned from travelling on highways across Connecticut in preparation of the snowstorm.
Governor Ned Lamont signed an order that bans all tandem tractor-trailers and empty tractor-trailers from travelling on all limited-access highways across the state, he wrote on X, previously known as Twitter.
The ban goes into effect at 12 am on Tuesday and will remain in effect until further notice.
New Yorkers brace for ‘messy commute’ amid fast-moving storm
05:45 , Stuti Mishra
The coastal storm that is expected to pack high winds and dump a foot or more of snow has already led to school closures, with warnings also issued against road travel and the possible disruption of flights.
Some of the highest snowfall totals were forecast for the northern suburbs of New York City and southwestern Connecticut, where 12 to 15 inches were possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Wind gusts could hit 60 mph (100 kph) off the Massachusetts coast and 40 mph (65 kph) in interior parts of southern New England.
“It will make for a messy commute tomorrow morning,” Christina Speciale, a meteorologist for the weather service in Albany, New York, said.
“This is a fast-moving storm, so things should be cleared out by tomorrow afternoon.”
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey told all non-essential Executive Branch employees to not report to work on Tuesday. Boston schools were closing and a parking ban was in effect. Similar closures and bans were put in place in other cities and towns. Emergency officials had equipment in place to help keep roads clear.
New Yorkers urged to stay off roads ahead of thick snow
05:00 , Mike Bedigan
NYC officials issue code blue for unhoused people
04:30 , Mike Bedigan
Ahead of tonight’s winter storm, New York City has issued a “code blue,” which means shelters cannot deny unhoused people seeking a place to stay while it is in effect.
New York City officials will also run 24-hour drop-in centres and enlist volunteers to contact vulnerable people to inform them about the resources available.
New York Mayor” ‘All our teams are ready’ for snow
03:45 , Mike Bedigan
New York Mayor Eric Adams reiterated warnings to New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless necessary, ahead of the thick snow.
Mr Adams said his office nad been monitoring forecasts since last week and that “all our teams are ready”.
“Please avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, especially during the morning commute. If you do need to leave your home, please use public transit,” he said.
SEE IT: Model of hourly snowfall rates forecasted for Tuesday
02:45 , Mike Bedigan
ICYMI: NYC officials brace for winter storm
02:00 , Mike Bedigan
ICYMI: Nor’easter could bring heaviest snow to New York in two years
01:00 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City is set to see 5-8 inches of snow from this week’s winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.
If the Big Apple gets at least six inches, it’ll be the city’s largest snowfall since January 2022, CNN reports.
For nearly two years, New York City did not see any recordable snow. They broke that streak last month, when a nationwide winter storm blew through the northeast and ended the snowless spell for several cities.
ICYMI: Stay home or use public transportation Tuesday, NYC Mayor says
00:00 , Katie Hawkinson
As New York City braces for a heavy snowstorm set to hit overnight Monday into Tuesday morning, Mayor Eric Adams has told residents to avoid travel if possible.
“If you don’t have to go out, stay home,” Mr Adams said at a press conference Monday afternoon. He also told residents to use public transportation if they must travel to ensure the roads are clear for snow removal vehicles. Parking has also been cancelled for Tuesday.
What is thundersnow?
Monday 12 February 2024 23:00 , Katie Hawkinson
Thundersnow, an unusual winter weather phenomenon, could hit the US northeast overnight Monday into Tuesday, forecasters said.
New York City could see thundersnow — when lightning forms within a snowstorm — through Tuesday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey told The Independent.
Read more about what causes this strange event:
What is thundersnow, the rare phenomenon that could hit New York City tonight?
ICYMI: NYC officials issue code blue for unhoused people
Monday 12 February 2024 22:40 , Katie Hawkinson
In light of the winter storm hitting the Northeast US, New York City has issued a “code blue,” which means shelters cannot deny unhoused people seeking a place to stay while it is in effect.
New York City officials will also run 24-hour drop-in centres and enlist volunteers to contact vulnerable people to inform them about the resources available.
New Yorkers who see a vulnerable person in need should call 311 to ensure they receive assistance, according to the New York City Department of Homeless Services.
Winter storm warning now impacting all of New York City metro area
Monday 12 February 2024 22:20 , Katie Hawkinson
Officials with the National Weather Service have issued a winter storm warning — which indicates a threatening event is imminent — for the entire New York City metro area, including parts of upstate New York and Connecticut.
New York City Public Schools will not be session tomorrow and students will learn remotely. Furthermore, officials have issued a travel advisory, warning residents to stay off the roads on Tuesday.
Updated forecast: NYC forecasters say storm moves slightly south, sparing northern New York cities
Monday 12 February 2024 22:00 , Katie Hawkinson
An updated forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that northern New York cities like Poughkeepsie may be spared from tonight’s winter storm.
Meanwhile, New York City is still forecasted to see up to eight inches, while the surrounding region could see as much as a foot of snow.
New York City could see up to eight inches of snow on Tuesday (National Weather Service)
WATCH: NYC officials brace for upcoming storm
Monday 12 February 2024 21:40 , Katie Hawkinson
Busy month for extreme weather
Monday 12 February 2024 21:20 , Katie Hawkinson
The Northeast is bracing for a severe winter storm as the West Coast reels from a series of devastating atmospheric rivers that brought heavy rain, flooding and mudslides.
Nine people died in California last week after an atmospheric river blew through the state, bringing half-a-year’s worth of rain in just a few days. Heavy rain also heavily saturated the soil, causing some 400 mudslides in Los Angeles alone.
Furthermore, at the peak of the rain, hundreds of thousands of residents were without power and an unknown number of homes were destroyed by landslides.
“It was mayhem,” Jill Shinefield toldThe Independent’s Mike Bedigan.
Read more on the record-breaking storm:
California residents survey damage caused by historic storms: ‘We were in shock’
ICYMI: Possibility of thundersnow in New York City
Monday 12 February 2024 21:00 , Katie Hawkinson
There are preliminary indications that New York City could see thundersnow — that is, concurrent snowfall and thunderstorm — during this week’s storm, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Bryan Ramsey.
Thundersnow is quite rare because thunderstorms typically require warm air to spark. The strange event happens when warmer air collides with cold, snowy systems, causing turbulent winds. In turn, these winds cause ice crystals to collide and cause high enough charges to spark lightning, Mr Ramsey said.
NYC issues travel advisory
Monday 12 February 2024 20:40 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City officials have issued a travel advisory beginning Monday night and ending Tuesday morning.
The announcement comes as the city prepares for up to eight inches of snow and wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour overnight. Public officials are asking residents to stay home if possible and to use mass transit if travel is necessary.
Boston Public Schools shut down ahead of storm
Monday 12 February 2024 20:20 , Katie Hawkinson
Boston Public Schools have cancelled classes on Tuesday ahead of the nor’easter gearing up to slam the region this evening.
Boston could see up to a foot of snow by the end of the day tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. They now join New York City Public Schools, which will hold virtual classes on Tuesday to keep students out of the dangerous winter conditions.
Precipitation to begin in New York City around midnight
Monday 12 February 2024 20:00 , Katie Hawkinson
The storm will first hit New York City just before midnight tonight, bringing light rain on Monday evening. It will quickly turn to snow by the early hours of Tuesday morning, and wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour are possible.
Given the overnight snow, New York City Public Schools will transition to remote learning and officials have warned residents to stay off the roads. Up to eight inches of snow are possible in the city, with a foot of snow possible in the surrounding region.
What is thundersnow, the rare phenomenon that could hit New York City tonight?
Monday 12 February 2024 19:40 , Katie Hawkinson
Thundersnow, an unusual winter weather phenomenon, could hit the US northeast on Monday night, forecasters said.
New York City could see thundersnow — when lightning forms within a snowstorm — through Tuesday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Ramsey told The Independent.
Read more about what causes this strange event:
What is thundersnow, the rare phenomenon that could hit New York City tonight?
Storm to have ‘extreme impact’ Tuesday morning and afternoon
Monday 12 February 2024 19:20 , Katie Hawkinson
The worst of the storm will hit the Northeast US on Tuesday, bringing “extreme impacts” in the morning and afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
“Highest impacts will be felt between 8 AM and 3 PM,” officials with the NWS for Boston posted on X. “Travel during this period will be hazardous and is not recommended.”
Similarly, New York City officials have asked residents to stay off the roads and take public transportation if necessary to ensure snow-clearing vehicles have room.
SEE IT: Storm set to hit Northeast is moving in from South Central US
Monday 12 February 2024 19:00 , Katie Hawkinson
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University posted satellite imagery of the storm system that’s moving northward from the South Central US, evolving into the nor’easter that will hit New York City and the surrounding region Monday night.
Eric Adams defends decision to do remote learning on Tuesday
Monday 12 February 2024 18:40 , Katie Hawkinson
Eric Adams passionately defended officials’ decision to make school virtual on Tuesday, rather than cancelling all-together in favour of a traditional snow day.
“My mother had to walk us to school with her arthritic knees,” Mr Adams said at a Monday press conference. “If you are a parent, and you are not willing to navigate a computer for your child, that is sad.”
“So you can’t tell me that Mommy took me to school with arthritic knees in a snow day and you are frustrated about lining on to a computer — that’s not acceptable to me,” he continued.
He emphasized the need for children to get “caught up” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our children must learn,” Mr Adams said. “They fell behind. We need to catch up that is what we need to be focusing on. “
Stay home or use public transportation tomorrow, NYC Mayor says
Monday 12 February 2024 18:12 , Katie Hawkinson
As New York City braces for a heavy snowstorm set to hit overnight Monday into Tuesday morning, Mayor Eric Adams has told residents to avoid travel if possible.
“If you don’t have to go out, stay home,” Mr Adams said at a press conference Monday afternoon. He also told residents to use public transportation if they must travel to ensure the roads are clear for snow removal vehicles. Parking has also been cancelled for Tuesday.
Possibility of thundersnow in New York City: NWS
Monday 12 February 2024 17:32 , Katie Hawkinson
There are preliminary indications that New York City could see thundersnow — that is, concurrent snowfall and thunderstorm — during this week’s storm, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Bryan Ramsey.
“Right now, [thundersnow] is something we’re considering,” Mr Ramsey told The Independent. “So it may get added to our forecast but I would wait to say for sure.”
Thundersnow is quite rare because thunderstorms typically require warm air to spark. The strange event happens when warmer air collides with cold, snowy systems, causing turbulent winds. In turn, these winds cause ice crystals to collide and cause high enough charges to spark lightning, Mr Ramsey said.
Mr Ramsey told The Independent that forecasters will know more about the likelihood of a thundersnow storm in the coming hours.
New York City public schools plan for virtual learning tomorrow
Monday 12 February 2024 17:00 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City public schools will move to remote learning on Tuesday as the city braces for an impactful winter storm, Mayor Eric Adams wrote on X.
Overnight Monday into Tuesday, the city is expecting up to eight inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 40 miles per hour. Travel will be dangerous and power outages are likely.
Winter storm to bring Tuesday morning rush hour chaos
Monday 12 February 2024 16:49 , Katie Hawkinson
Northeasterners should prepare for morning rush hour troubles, the National Weather Service (NWS) says.
“The Tuesday morning commute is looking *rough*, particularly I-78 & I-80 corridors, but I-95 northwest will need to be cautious,” the NWS for Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote on X.
Those travelling by air won’t fare any better, as the NWS for New York warns that several inches of snow will likely cause delays for the region’s airports.
Northeast braces for storm as western US recovers from extreme weather
Monday 12 February 2024 16:22 , Katie Hawkinson
The southwestern US is reeling from a devastating rainstorm this week that killed at least nine people and caused hundreds of mudslides in California.
The atmospheric river that brought the storm dumped nearly half a year’s worth of rain on the region.
Now, that storm is moving eastward, bringing winter storm conditions to New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma this week, the Associated Press reports.
Nor’easter could bring heaviest snow to New York in two years
Monday 12 February 2024 15:55 , Katie Hawkinson
New York City is set to see 5-8 inches of snow from this week’s winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.
If the Big Apple gets at least six inches, it’ll be the city’s largest snowfall since January 2022, CNN reports.
For nearly two years, New York City did not see any recordable snow. They broke that streak last month, when a nationwide winter storm blew through the northeast and ended the snowless spell for several cities.
Tuesday to bring strong wind gusts and floods
Monday 12 February 2024 15:37 , Katie Hawkinson
Monday’s nor’easter will bring heavy winds and coastal flooding on Tuesday morning.
Wind gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts. Meanwhile, the risk of coastal floods in New York will peak Tuesday morning and mid-day.
These gusts could lead to widespread power outages throughout the region.
Upcoming winter storm could spark travel chaos
Monday 12 February 2024 15:26 , Katie Hawkinson
Tonight’s winter storm will interrupt both road and air travel, the National Weather Service (NWS) for New York said.
Airport delays and dangerous roads are possible as several inches of snow blanket the northeast. Officials with the NWS are warning residents to avoid travel if possible, and to pack a winter weather kit if getting on the roads is unavoidable.
The National Weather Service expects tonight’s storm to severely impact travel (National Weather Service)
Northeast braces for winter storm bringing snow and floods
Monday 12 February 2024 15:19 , Katie Hawkinson
Northeasterners are bracing for heavy snow and coastal flooding in the coming hours.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather warnings for several states beginning Monday morning and lasting through Tuesday evening. Parts of New Jersey, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut could see up to a foot of snow, while New York City could see up to eight inches.
Coastal flooding will also pose a risk to residents on Tuesday morning and afternoon, according to forecasters.
This will mark the second major winter storm to batter the northeast in 2024. Last month’s winter weather event brought frigid temperatures, travel chaos, and several deaths in the region.
Rosette has a knack for anything DIY. She spent her younger years learning about the different hardware tools, lighting, and equipment in the hopes of establishing a hardware business in the future. Her career options may have changed, but today, she continues to write so passionately about her first love.
