Winter Storm Warning for Friday Evening until Saturday Evening

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday.

According to the latest forecast, a nor'easter is expected to bring 8 to 12 inches of snow with locally higher amounts possible, and 40 to 45 mph wind gusts (with peak gusts of 50 mph) to the area Friday night to Saturday night. There remains a low chance for higher amounts and stronger winds if the storm shifts. Temperatures will be in the low 20s to mid-teens with wind chills near or below zero from Saturday morning through mid-day Sunday.

• The bulk of the snow is expected to fall after 4 a.m. Saturday. Snow will continue through Saturday afternoon and begin to taper off in the late afternoon.
• The strongest period of winds is expected between Saturday morning into the afternoon. A combination of gusty winds and arctic air will produce wind chills below zero during the day Saturday to late Sunday morning. Wind gusts may also be as high as 50 mph with strong gusts continuing through Saturday night, producing low visibility due to drifting and blowing snow, even after snowfall has ended.
• Localized minor coastal flooding possible during the three tidal cycles from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, particularly in low-lying coastal areas of southern Queens, north shore of Queens, and the Bronx.

NYC Emergency Management has issued a hazardous travel advisory for Friday evening, January 28, through Saturday, January 29. NYC Emergency Management will continue to work closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the weather and any potential impacts associated with this storm.

For real-time weather information, visit the National Weather Service.

Safety Tips

• Stay indoors.
• Stay off the roads as much as possible. If you must travel, use mass transit.
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution when traveling. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
• Take care when walking on snow and ice, especially if you are an older adult. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
• If you have to go out, dress for the weather:
  • Wear a hat, hood, or scarf.
  • Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth
  • Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside
  • Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia:
  • Hypothermia: symptoms include slurred speech, sluggishness, confusion, dizziness, shallow breathing, unusual behavior, and slow, irregular heartbeat.
  • Frostbite: symptoms include gray, white or yellow discoloration, numbness, and waxy feeling skin.
• If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves. Stay alert for signs of hypothermia, like intense shivering or dizziness, and anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek medical attention or call 911.
• Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who may need help in cold weather — especially older adults or people with disabilities — to make sure they are safe inside and have heat.
• Immediately tell your building superintendent, property manager or owner if you do not have heat. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly and go to a warm place, such as a friend's or family member's home. If you stay at home, wear additional layers of clothing to keep warm.
• Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely. Do not heat your home with a gas stove or oven, charcoal grill, or kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters.