Major Winter Storm Set To Slam New York City

New York City and the surrounding region are bracing for what forecasters and officials are calling the most significant snowstorm in years, with the potential to bring life in the area to a near standstill. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire metropolitan area, including New Jersey, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut, effective from 3 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026, through 6 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026. According to both AccuWeather and FOX Weather, snow will begin late Saturday night and become widespread by early Sunday morning, continuing throughout the day with the heaviest accumulations expected from morning into early evening.

Forecasts indicate that the NYC area could receive anywhere from 8 to 16 inches of snow, with some predictions—especially if the event remains all snow—suggesting totals could approach or even exceed a foot. The National Weather Service specifically forecasts total snow accumulations between 12 and 16 inches for New York City, while FOX Weather puts the range at 10 to 14 inches, highlighting the uncertainty that still lingers as the storm approaches. Central and northern New Jersey may see 8 to 18 inches, with the highest totals expected farther inland and lower amounts near the coast, where a brief mix with sleet could limit snow depth.

The snow itself is expected to be dry and powdery, a detail that matters for both accumulation rates and cleanup. Snowfall rates could reach up to one inch per hour at times on Sunday, making for rapidly deteriorating road conditions. As the NWS alert bluntly states: “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.”

But it’s not just the snow that has officials concerned—it’s the cold. Wind chills are forecast to plummet to -15 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday night, and high temperatures over the weekend will barely scrape 20 degrees. The deep freeze is expected to linger through the middle of next week, as meteorologists keep a close eye on a polar vortex event that could drive Arctic air further south and prolong the cold snap. According to FOX Weather, when the polar vortex weakens or shifts, it can allow frigid air to surge into the United States, increasing the chances of extended periods of cold and snow.

In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, both New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s order, affecting all 21 counties, took effect at 5 p.m. Saturday. “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, according to 1010 WINS. “I urge all New Jerseyans to stay home, avoid travel, and follow all safety protocols during the storm.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a similar state of emergency for the entire state, allowing officials to mobilize resources more efficiently. “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,” Hochul said, in remarks reported by 1010 WINS and FOX 5 NY.

Local agencies are also ramping up preparations. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey activated its airport emergency operations center on Saturday to coordinate with airlines and terminal operators, aiming to keep airports functioning as smoothly as possible. Travelers are urged to check with their airlines or the Federal Aviation Administration for updates, as delays and cancellations are likely.

Public transit, often a lifeline during New York’s worst weather, is planning to operate throughout the storm. “This ain’t our first rodeo,” MTA CEO Janno Lieber told reporters, assuring that the subway, buses, and commuter rails will continue running. “The bus network is ready to pick up the slack.” Still, transit officials caution that severe conditions could force adjustments on short notice.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been front and center in the city’s storm response, said on Friday that thousands of city workers have already been mobilized. “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,” Mamdani told 1010 WINS. He noted that the city began brining highways and major roads on Friday morning and that 700 salt spreaders would be activated across the five boroughs as soon as two inches of snow accumulate. “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,” he said.

One of the biggest questions on New Yorkers’ minds is the fate of schools on Monday. Mayor Mamdani made it clear that the city would not be declaring a traditional snow day. Instead, the decision between in-person and remote learning will be made by noon on Sunday, giving families and educators just enough time to prepare. “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 explained. If snow totals exceed six inches, the city is likely to opt for remote learning, and students are being told to take their technology home as a precaution. “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 added.

Mayor Mamdani also urged residents to stay indoors during the storm, even injecting a bit of humor into his warning. He suggested New Yorkers “watch the worst reality TV you can find,” and avoid venturing out into dangerous conditions. It’s a lighthearted reminder, but the underlying message is serious: the combination of heavy snow, slick roads, and bitter cold could make travel treacherous and even life-threatening.

As the storm barrels up the East Coast, millions across the region are being urged to take precautions. Emergency officials recommend staying off the roads, stocking up on essentials, and keeping a close eye on trusted weather sources for the latest updates. The storm is expected to wind down from west to east on Monday, but with snow and ice lingering and a deep freeze settling in, the effects will likely be felt well into the week.

For New Yorkers, this weekend’s storm is shaping up to be one for the record books—a test of resilience, preparedness, and maybe even a little patience. With city and state leaders mobilized, transit agencies on alert, and the public bracing for impact, all eyes are on the skies as the first flakes begin to fall.