UES Braces For Major Winter Storm: Latest Forecast, How To Prepare

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Upper East Siders are urged to prepare for a major winter storm that could bring over a foot of snow, icy roads and dangerously cold temperatures to the five boroughs over the weekend.

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to impact the region from Saturday night through Monday morning.

In the New York City metro area, forecasters are currently predicting between 3 and 16 inches of total snowfall, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

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 Watch 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, New York City Department of Emergency Management said.

The sanitation department is pre-treating roads with a salt and water solution and will deploy 700 salt-spreaders as soon as it begins to snow, and 2,200 plows once there are two inches of snow on the ground.

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 go inside.

In addition to various shelters, the nearest drop-in center to the Upper East Side is located at 120 East 32nd Street, between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

Ahead of the storm, city officials urge residents to prepare for possible power outages and hazardous conditions by stocking a winter "go bag" with at least seven days’ worth of essentials, including food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and warm clothing.

City officials also urge New Yorkers to keep space heaters away from flammable items, never use ovens or grills for warmth, and make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.

City officials also 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," 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.

Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 19. Wind chill values between -5 and 5. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.

Saturday night: A 40 percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a steady temperature around 17. Wind chill values between 10 and 15. North wind 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 27. Wind chill values between 5 and 10. Northeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.

Sunday night: Snow before 10 p.m., then snow and sleet between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., then snow likely after 4 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Temperature rising to around 27 by 1 a.m. Northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Monday: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.