Tri-State Area Braces for Bitter Cold Following Sunday Snowfall
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A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for much of the Tri-State Area through 4 a.m. Monday as residents contend with lingering icy conditions following a weekend snowstorm. The snowfall, which impacted New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut on Sunday, has subsided, but a dangerous deep freeze is settling in, raising concerns about black ice and dangerously low temperatures.
First Alert Weather Day Wraps Up, Icy Conditions Persist
Sunday’s weather system delivered a significant amount of snow across the region, prompting a First Alert Weather Day for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. While the snow has stopped falling in New York City, officials warn that untreated surfaces will quickly become hazardous as temperatures plummet. According to reports, a second round of snow moved in around 6 p.m. Sunday, adding an additional inch to the accumulation before tapering off around 9 p.m.
The immediate threat has shifted from snowfall to the development of black ice, a thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on roadways and sidewalks. As temperatures are forecast to drop into the 20s, any moisture will freeze rapidly, creating extremely slippery conditions. A senior official stated that drivers should exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
Arctic Air Mass to Bring Record-Breaking Cold
The current cold snap is expected to last for several days, with particularly frigid conditions anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday. An Arctic air mass is settling into the region, promising highs only in the low to mid-20s on Tuesday.
Wednesday morning is forecast to be the coldest of the season thus far, with predictions of a low of 14 degrees in Central Park. This would not only be the coldest temperature this winter, but one of the coldest mornings in recent years. The wind chill will exacerbate the cold, making it feel like single-digit and sub-zero temperatures. Some moderation in temperatures is expected late in the week, but another blast of cold air is predicted to arrive by the weekend.
Snow Totals Across the Tri-State Area
The bulk of the Tri-State Area received between 2-4 inches of snow, aligning with initial forecasts. Northwestern suburbs and areas along the Jersey Shore saw accumulations of 1-3 inches. Eastern Long Island experienced the highest totals, with up to 5 inches reported in some areas.
While specific snowfall totals for individual locations were not immediately available, initial reports indicate the predictions were largely accurate across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. .
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday will be blustery, with highs struggling to reach the freezing mark, further complicating travel and outdoor activities. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold, including dressing in layers, limiting outdoor exposure, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
Matthew DeLucia contributed to this report.
