NYC Weather: Storm Warning Issued, Heavy Snow Expected

NEW YORK CITY – A winter storm warning has been issued for Sunday in New York City as heavy snow is expected during the day.

The warning is in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Snow accumulations could reach 5 to 7 inches, according to the National Weather Service. The warning stretches from northeast New Jersey through southeast New York and southern Connecticut.

Officials are warning residents that travel during the day on Sunday could be very difficult as snowfall rates could exceed an inch per hour in the late morning and early afternoon.

Saturday afternoon, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed state agencies to prepare emergency responses ahead of the storm.

"We are right in the thick of winter storm season with an active cycle of weather for the next week or so, which means plenty of opportunities for heavy snow, high winds and potentially hazardous conditions that could impact travel and cause power outages," Cuomo said in a prepared statement.

Officials have also issued winter safety tips and precautions for residents to take ahead of and during the storm. These tips include avoiding driving unless absolutely necessary, using caution on bridges, stocking cars with survival gear like blankets, and shovel and a flashlight; and keeping cell phones charged.

Here's the National Weather Service weekend forecast as of Saturday morning:

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday night
A 30 percent chance of snow after 3 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 30. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm.

Sunday
Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 33. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Sunday night
Snow likely before 7 p.m., then a chance of snow showers between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. Northwest wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.