New York City may receive up to 8 inches of snow from a winter storm this weekend.

A significant winter storm is poised to impact the tri-state area, with expectations of substantial snowfall beginning Friday evening. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for New York City, New Jersey, and parts of southern and central New England, forecasting a snow event that is anticipated to intensify overnight.

Initial projections suggest that areas may receive between 4 to 8 inches of snow, with some forecasts indicating a potential maximum accumulation of up to 10 inches. Snowfall is expected to commence early Friday evening, affecting commuter traffic as it transitions from light and dry conditions to heavier precipitation. The snow will reportedly fall at rates of approximately 1 inch per hour, with localized bursts increasing to rates of 2 inches per hour at certain times.

According to AccuWeather, the most intense snowfall is likely to occur between 2 and 3 a.m. on Saturday, continuing into the early afternoon. This timing poses potential challenges for holiday travelers returning from the festivities, with warnings issued regarding possible delays and disruptions at airports and on highways. AccuWeather officials have highlighted that millions may experience travel difficulties during this period, but they have not yet quantified the scale of potential disruptions.

In preparation for the impending winter weather, New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory effective from 4 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday. Officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, have encouraged residents to limit their travel unless absolutely necessary. The city has largely remained snow-free this winter, save for a few inches earlier this month. By comparison, last year saw just over 12 inches of total seasonal snowfall, while 2023 only managed about 8 inches for the entire season.

Furthermore, the weather leading up to this weekend has been relatively mild, with post-Christmas temperatures reaching into the low to mid-40s. However, a stark temperature drop is forecast, plunging into the 20s by Friday, creating conditions more characteristic of winter in New York City.

The winter storm watch encompasses much of the region, and city officials emphasize the importance of preparedness as residents navigate their post-holiday routines. As New Yorkers brace for the first significant snowfall of the season, the emphasis remains on safety and caution during travel.