Major Snow Storm Barrels Toward NYC: See The Latest

NEW YORK CITY — The Big Apple is expecting to see its biggest snowstorm in more than five years this weekend, with more than a foot of snow predicted to fall between Saturday night and Monday afternoon, city officials said.

Heavy snow expected Sunday morning into Sunday night, transitioning to wintry mix for the city/coast Sunday evening/night.

The storm is expected to bring major disruption to transportation and daily life Sunday into Sunday Night from heavy snowfall/wintry mix, high snowfall rates, and near whiteout conditions. These significant impacts are forecast to linger into Monday.

Beyond the possible foot of snow and ice, the National Weather Service warns of:

✓ Prolonged period of frigid conditions through late next week. Prepare for societal and infrastructure impacts due to the prolonged, deep cold.

✓ Gale conditions likely on all waters Sunday afternoon through Sunday night.

✓ Minor coastal/shoreline flooding impacts likely during Sunday night high tides.

Winter Storm Warnings continue for the entire tri-state area.

On Friday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the whole state, and New York City is under a Winter Storm Warning from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Citywide impacts are anticipated, including hazardous commutes, slippery roads, and possible power outages, the New York City Department of Emergency Management said.

City officials said to limit travel if possible, and watch for black ice if you must drive or walk outside. Check on neighbors who may need help, bring pets indoors, dress in layers, and call 911 immediately if you see signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

"Once the snow begins to fall, I want to encourage New Yorkers to do something that we don't often have the luxury of doing, which is to take a breath and stay home," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a briefing Friday morning. "Watch the snow come down, watch the worst possible reality TV show you could find, and take some time away from the roads."

Mamdani also said that the city will let parents know by Sunday at noon whether public schools will be in person for Monday, or if school will meet over Zoom.

In addition to the snow, the city is experiencing a stretch of extreme cold, with a high close to just 19 degrees on Saturday and staying well below freezing all weekend.

For those without shelter, a "Code Blue" alert has been extended in New York City until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27. This means that no one will be turned away from a shelter if they need to get inside. To find a drop-in center, click here.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.