NEW YORK, February 10, 2024 — The Tri-State area weathered its most significant winter storm in nearly four years, winding down Saturday morning with a lingering chill and a slick coating of ice and snow. While the heaviest accumulations fell north and east of New York City, the storm’s impact was felt across the region, prompting travel advisories and a cautious start to the weekend.
Snowfall Totals Vary Widely Across the Tri-State
The storm delivered a mixed bag, with some areas receiving over nine inches of snow while others saw totals suppressed by sleet and ice.
- Central Park recorded 4.3 inches of snow, the highest amount there since January 28-29, 2022.
- Connecticut bore the brunt of the snowfall, with New Fairfield reporting 9.1 inches.
- Icy conditions, particularly in New Jersey, limited snowfall totals in some areas.
- Temperatures will remain below freezing Saturday, creating hazardous travel conditions.
Central Park measured 4.3 inches of snow, falling within the predicted range of 4 to 8 inches for much of the region. This marks the highest snowfall in the park since a storm on January 28-29, 2022, dumped over 8 inches. The distribution, however, was far from uniform.
What’s the biggest takeaway from this storm? The intensity varied dramatically, with Connecticut experiencing the most substantial snowfall. New Fairfield led the state with 9.1 inches, followed by Fairfield (7 inches), Bridgeport (7.1 inches), and Newtown (6 inches). Long Island also saw significant accumulations, with Babylon and Orient both reporting 7.5 inches, Mattituck at 7 inches, North Patchogue at 6.8 inches, Islip at 6.6 inches, and Hampton Bays at 6.5 inches.
The intrusion of sleet played a significant role in reducing snowfall totals in certain areas. New York City, along with locations south and west, saw lower accumulations. Fordham in the Bronx recorded 4.3 inches, while LaGuardia and JFK airports both measured 4.1 inches. New Jersey also experienced reduced totals, with Harrison receiving 4 inches, Springfield 3 inches, and Newark 2.5 inches.
The storm’s peak intensity occurred Friday evening, but by dawn on Saturday, February 10, 2024, the snow had largely tapered off. However, storm warnings remained in effect for areas north and west due to the risk of slippery roads. Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing on Saturday, exacerbating the hazardous conditions.
Meteorologist Jeff Smith described the system as an “Alberta Clipper on steroids,” explaining that it was an Alberta Clipper infused with energy from Pacific storms that delivered an atmospheric river of rain to the West Coast. This combination resulted in a rapid burst of snowfall for parts of the region.
An AccuWeather Alert remains in effect as crews work to clear roadways. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution while traveling.
Q: What should travelers expect this weekend? A: Travelers should anticipate slick, icy roads throughout the Tri-State area, as temperatures will remain below freezing on Saturday. Exercise extreme caution and allow for extra travel time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the highest snowfall total recorded? New Fairfield, Connecticut, reported the highest snowfall total at 9.1 inches.
- How much snow did Central Park receive? Central Park recorded 4.3 inches of snow.
- What caused the varying snowfall totals? The intrusion of sleet and ice suppressed snowfall totals in some areas, while others experienced heavier bands of snow.
Officials continue to advise caution as the region recovers from the storm. Please check local advisories for the latest updates.
