Sudden Snow Squall Arrives In New York City

NEW YORK CITY — An intense snow squall slammed New York City Saturday afternoon just moments after the city issued an emergency alert.

"Best part of the NYC snow squall warning," tweeted NBCNews forecaster Bill Karins, "is hearing everyone’s phones go off on the sidewalk and then turn to each other asking what the heck is that."

The alert warned New Yorkers of dangerous winds, heavy snow, and near-whiteout conditions which hit at roughly 3:05 p.m.

The snow squall warning was in place until 3:45 p.m. across New York City as well as Westchester, parts of Connecticut, New Jersey and Long Island.

Any squalls should last no more than 10 to 15 minutes at any location, forecasters said.

Even as the snow tapered off, the National Weather Service warned New Yorkers to remain cautious when traveling.

"The snow squall is currently making its way into Suffolk County," forecasters tweeted. "You're not out of the wood yet."

New York City remains under a wind advisory — with gusts that could blow at up to 50 mph — until midnight, NWS notices show.

Forecasters predict a cold and gusty weekend with lows about 20 degrees Saturday night and wind chill values as low as 5 degrees Sunday.

But President's Day weather looks sunny and warm (for February) with a high near 53 degrees.