New York could be hit by up to 12 inches of snow as state braces for storm

TOPSHOT – A person walks during a snow storm in New York City’s Central Park on January 19, 2024. The National Weather Service forecasts 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cms) of snowfall for the region with temperatures in the upper 30s F (-1C) for the weekend. (Photo by Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

New York is getting ready for a big snowstorm that could bring up to 12 inches of snow in some places.

Governor Kathy Hochul has said the storm will start on Monday night and it might cause strong winds and flooding near the sea. Some areas might get 6-8 inches of snow, but New York City and Long Island might only get 1-3 inches along with very windy weather.

Governor Hochul told the public to keep an eye on the weather and be mindful of travel issues and power cuts.

She added: “As New Yorkers are preparing to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, we are tracking a developing storm that will impact a substantial area of New York into the early part of the week and I have directed State agencies to mobilize in preparation for this storm and urge everyone to watch for weather and travel updates as it develops.”

Rain is expected to start in the Capital, Mid-Hudson, Southern Tier, New York City and Long Island regions, turning into snow by late Monday night. The heaviest snowfall is predicted for early Tuesday morning.

Snowfall rates could reach up to one inch per hour at times. Snow is forecast to continue through Tuesday evening and wind gusts up 40 mph along the coast will start early Tuesday morning and continue into the afternoon.

Winter Storm Watches have been issued for parts of the State in advance of the storm. More may be issued as the forecast develops. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov.

This free service provides critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer. The public is being asked not to travel or drive unnecessarily. But for those who must, they are urged to be prepared.

People are being asked to keep their cars stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly coloured cloth to use as a distress flag.

The governor announced that New York City Transit is ready to tackle the upcoming storm. They will be prepping and monitoring conditions, with workers ready to respond quickly to keep things running smoothly.

The New York Department of Transportation has a big team on standby. They’ve got more than 1,500 plough trucks and other gear ready to help out where they can.