NYC Weather: 10 Inches Of Snow Possible, Mayor Says

NEW YORK — New York City schools will shutter Monday and many flights have been canceled as the city braces for up to 10 inches of snow — or more. The National Weather Service put commuters on high alert Sunday, predicting the region would get walloped with 5-8 inches of snow. But Mayor Bill de Blasio later upped that to six to 10 inches.

"Snowfall predicted right now — we see six to 10 inches," he said, according to The New York Times. "But it could easily get up to 10 inches or more."

The winter storm is bringing heavy snow to the tri-state area and the Monday morning commute will be "problematic," city officials warned. The wintry mix prompted airlines to cancel flights Sunday.

Snowfall intensified Sunday night across the region, the NWS said, and the city could receive 1 inch of snow per hour through 10 p.m., after which up to 2 inches could fall each hour.

"Roads will become snow covered, visibilities will become poor, and hazardous travel is expected," the agency said. "Use extra caution if you plan to travel tonight."

The winter storm warning will remain in effect until around 7 a.m. Monday. New Yorkers could see a sloppy commute to start the week — the warning means severe weather will make travel dangerous or even impossible.

More than a half-foot of snow could fall in the northern parts of Queens, upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Long Island is expected to get up to 6 inches of snow, while parts of northern New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts could see 7-8 inches.

New York City will see temperatures fall, to as low as the mid-20s Sunday night. Airlines canceled flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport ahead of the snow storm. Passengers should check with their carriers for updated flight information.

New Jersey, meanwhile, declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon.

But it's not all doom and gloom for commuters — the rest of Monday is expected to remain dry, even as temperatures remain below normal for the entire week. City officials told reporters they're closely monitoring the system.

The steadiest period of snow is likely to come between 9 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday, said Joe Esposito, the city's emergency management chief.

"You could see an inch an hour of precipitation during that time. And at that time it'll probably be snow," he said. "Snow should taper off around six in the morning, but there is a chance for lingering showers during the rush hour tomorrow."

Esposito added: "The Monday morning commute will be problematic. There's no doubt about that."

New Yorkers were asked to avoid unnecessary travel and use public transportation if they need to go out. MTA, NJ Transit and Port Authority Bus Terminal pre-treated and pre-salted major areas of concern.

"Do not drive unless you have to," Esposito said.

Steven Costas, first deputy commissioner of the city's Sanitation Department, said his agency was prepared for the snow — over 1,600 plows were on standby and the department had access to roughly 170,000 tons of salt on hand for this storm. He reiterated calls for travelers to stay off the roads.

"As commissioner Esposito stated, it is going to be treacherous out there. We anticipate that it will be sloppy through the overnight, so please take time with the travel and please give us an opportunity to get through the streets."

A hazardous travel advisory will be in effect from Sunday afternoon until Monday morning, Esposito said. Pedestrians should be wary of slippery surfaces, too. That's particularly true for seniors and older adults.

"They could slip and break a bone, you know how treacherous it could be for them," said Esposito.

Salt will be spread near schools.