The Tri-State Area is on track to face a new challenge as a freezing rainstorm approaches this weekend. A First Alert Weather Day has been declared for late Sunday into Monday morning due to the potential for hazardous freezing rain conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory Details
Several counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 4 p.m. on Sunday until 2 a.m. on Monday. These counties include:
- Sullivan
- Ulster
- Dutchess
- Orange
- Rockland
- Putnam
- Sussex
This advisory is in response to concerns regarding freezing rain, especially in the northwestern suburbs.
Sunday Forecast
Sunday will begin with some sunshine, but clouds will quickly gather as a frontal system moves in. Precipitation is expected to increase late in the afternoon and into the evening hours. Highs will struggle to reach freezing, remaining in the upper 30s after sunset.
Impact of Freezing Rain
As the precipitation begins, it is likely to transition into freezing rain. Areas south and east of New York City are expected to experience rain due to higher surface temperatures. However, freezing rain is anticipated to affect regions around the city before changing to plain rain.
Northwestern Suburbs at Risk
The northwestern suburbs may experience prolonged freezing temperatures at the surface, increasing the risk for ice accumulation. Ice amounts are forecasted to range from 0.10 to 0.20 inches, potentially leading to:
- Iced-over roads
- Downed trees
- Power outages
Lucky for residents, this freezing rain event is expected to be short-lived, with all areas likely transitioning to rain by Monday morning.
Weather Recap from Recent Storm
Looking back, a snowstorm affected the area Friday night into Saturday, with Central Park reporting 4.3 inches of snowfall. This marked the highest total since January 2022. Overall, Central Park has received 7.2 inches of snow this December, surpassing the average monthly snowfall of 4.9 inches.
This December has marked a significant change with above-average snowfall after nearly four years. The recent snowpack is likely to contribute to colder temperatures, with lows reaching the low 20s in the city and the teens in surrounding suburbs.
