NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The NYC area is set to get at least 4 to 8 inches of snow—and possibly up to a foot—as a massive winter storm and the coldest air of the season barrels through the region this weekend.
According to AccuWeather, the storm will arrive at daybreak Sunday, then snow will continue throughout the day. If snow mixes with sleet, snow totals will likely be on the lower end of 4 to 8 inches, but an all-snow event increases the chances of higher amounts of up to a foot.
The snowstorm will come amid brutal cold. Wind chills may drop to -15 degrees below zero on Friday night. It will stay bitterly cold throughout the weekend, when highs will barely reach 20. The snow and cold are set to have major impacts across the East Coast.
HERE'S THE LATEST:
4:15 PM -- New Jersey declares a state of emergency
Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared that New Jersey will enter a state of emergency at 5 p.m. Saturday in anticipation of the winter storm. The order impacts all 21 counties.
“Beginning Saturday evening and continuing into Monday, New Jersey is expected to see heavy snowfall and severe conditions, and my top priority is the safety of our residents,” Sherrill said. “In the days since taking office, I have convened leaders across state government to prepare for the impending hazardous conditions to ensure we have the resources necessary to weather this storm. I urge all New Jerseyans to stay home, avoid travel, and follow all safety protocols during the storm.”
1:40 PM -- Winter Storm Warning issued for NYC area
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire New York City area, from New Jersey to the five boroughs, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut.
The warning will be in effect from 3 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday.
"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 16 inches," the NWS wrote in the alert. "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow."
12:30 PM -- Emergency operations activated at NYC airports
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it activated it's coordinating closely with airlines and terminal operators to keep airports operating safely and efficiently during the winter storm.
Officials said by activating the airport emergency operations center they'll be able to better coordinate storm response activities in real-time.
Port Authority said travelers should check with their airlines for updated flight info before leaving for the airport or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure or arrival airport.
10:15 AM -- MTA says transit will be up and running
The MTA plans to have service on the subway, buses and commuter rails during the storm this weekend, officials said, noting "this ain't our first rodeo."
"The bus network is ready to pick up the slack," MTA CEO Janno Lieber said.
10 AM -- Hochul issues a state of emergency for NY
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a state of emergency for all of New York State ahead of the winter storm. She said the designation will allow the state to distribute resources more effectively.
"I know you're tough, I know you can handle this, I know you're not worried. But let's just get through this weekend safely and live to tell the stories about it afterward," the governor said.
9:30 AM -- Mamdani says city will announce school plans by Sunday
Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined 1010 WINS on Friday morning to discuss how the city is preparing for the major winter storm that could drop up to a foot of snow on Sunday.
"Our city is about to be hit by a whole lot of snow, and I want New Yorkers to be prepared for the storm that's coming," he said, adding it'll likely be "the biggest snowfall we've gotten in awhile."
Mamdani said thousands of city workers are already mobilized to prepare for the storm.
He said the city started brining highways and major roads on Friday morning. "As soon as there are 2 inches of snow, we're going to see 700 salt spreaders activated across every single part of the five boroughs."
The mayor said the city will decide whether to have in-person or remote learning on Monday.
“We will not be seeing a traditional snow day on Monday. We’re going to let students, parents and educators know by 12 p.m. on Sunday whether it’s going to be in person or remote.”
Mamdani said if snow amounts are “something on the higher end,” like over 6 inches, then the city will lean towards remote.
“They’re going to be told today to be taking their technology home with them so that they’re prepared in case that’s the eventuality that we go with,” he said.