NEW YORK – A wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain swept across the Tri-State Area on Saturday, leading to hazardous road conditions and preparations from local authorities. Snow Alerts, travel restrictions, and road salting operations were in full swing as officials worked to mitigate the storm’s impact.
Snowfall and Weather Transitions
Snowfall began across the region on Saturday evening, with steady accumulation expected to transition into sleet and rain overnight, especially in New York City, northern New Jersey, and Long Island. Meanwhile, areas north of the city, such as Hudson Valley and parts of Connecticut, are expected to receive higher snowfall totals.
New York City: Snow Alert in Effect
The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) issued a Snow Alert at 1 p.m. Saturday, kicking off salting operations at 12:01 a.m. DSNY mobilized 700 salt spreaders and had approximately 700 million pounds of salt ready.
- Plowing operations will begin once snow reaches 2 inches of accumulation.
- Residents can track plow progress online.
- Garbage collection will proceed as normal, but sidewalk clearing remains the responsibility of property owners.
Long Island and Nassau County Preparations
In Nassau County, officials prepared for 3-5 inches of snow. County Executive Bruce Blakeman assured residents that the Department of Public Works (DPW) was fully equipped, with 80 trucks scheduled to begin salting roads at 6 p.m.
- Blakeman emphasized that crews are prepared if conditions worsen.
- Residents experiencing power outages should call 1-800-436-7734.
- The warming center at Mitchell Field will remain open 24 hours.
Westchester County and Yonkers
Crews in Westchester County ramped up storm preparations, bringing in additional staff and equipment to manage the expected snowfall. In Yonkers, shoppers rushed to buy supplies ahead of the Super Bowl, causing heavy traffic near major stores.
- Stew Leonard Drive experienced intermittent closures due to the influx of shoppers.
- DPW Commissioner Thomas Meier confirmed that crews began treating roads with brine solutions on Friday and continued salting overnight.
New Jersey: Winter Storm Warnings and Travel Restrictions
Winter storm warnings were in effect for several counties in northwest New Jersey, including Bergen and Passaic Counties. Salt trucks and plows were on standby as roads became slick with snow and freezing rain.
- Governor Phil Murphy advised residents to stay home and avoid travel.
- Temporary travel restrictions: As of 3 p.m. Saturday, commercial vehicles, RVs, and motorcycles were banned from major interstate highways, excluding the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway.
- Route 17 was particularly difficult to navigate, with drivers reporting slippery conditions.
Expected Snow Totals
| Region | Expected Snow Totals |
|---|---|
| Hudson Valley & Connecticut | 5-8 inches |
| New York City, Northern NJ, Long Island | 3-5 inches |
| Jersey Shore & South/West NJ | 1-3 inches |
Additional Hazards:
- Ice accumulation: Northern and western New Jersey could see a few hundredths of an inch of ice, creating dangerous driving conditions.
Safety and Travel Tips
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas experiencing freezing rain and sleet.
- Use caution on turns and highways, as conditions can cause vehicles to skid.
- Keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice to prevent accidents.
The First Alert Weather Day continues through early Sunday morning, with precipitation expected to taper off by 9 a.m. Clearer skies and gusty winds will follow, making way for a chilly but dry Super Bowl Sunday.
