The Blizzard of 2016 blanketed the tri-state area with just a little over two feet of snow this weekend in the second largest NYC snowstorm on record.
The National Weather Service earlier Saturday upgraded its total snowfall predictions for a considerable chunk of New York City and New Jersey to 24 to 30 inches.
While the snow has relented in parts of the region, so-called banding could still dump a considerable amount of snow in localized locations before the storm’s end.
As the sun set, the storm moved away slowly. Snow could end as early as Saturday evening.
As much as 3 inches of snow have been falling every hour since Saturday morning. A band to the south of Long Island could potentially drop an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow per hour over whatever land it moves over. It was not clear, though, whether that band would hit the region.
Even though snow totals were higher than expected, and winds created blizzard conditions at times, a glimmer of good news has emerged. Stiff Northeast winds will likely limit the potential impact of coastal flooding Saturday evening during the next high-tide, which is being accentuated by a full moon. Still, with the astronomical high tide and 50-mph winds, and 3-foot surges, caution must be taken.
With a travel ban and partial subway shutdown in place, Mayor Bill de Blasio said a snowfall of 25 inches or more will make it harder for Monday to be “normal.”
The all-time record for Central Park is 26.9 inches, in February 2006.
A blizzard warning remains in effect for New York City, southern Westchester County, and Essex and Union counties in New Jersey until 7 a.m. Sunday.
By Sunday, skies will clear out but the winds could still be gusty, and temperatures may moderate to the 40s next week, making it easier for snow cleanup, with Mother Nature helping to melt the blanket of precipitation we’ve received.
