WASHINGTON, Feb 21 - Officials have issued blizzard warnings for New York City and portions of New Jersey and Connecticut as a significant storm system is forecast to affect a broad stretch of the East Coast. The National Weather Service said snow and storm warnings are in effect from the Mid-Atlantic through the Northeast, with the most intense conditions expected between Sunday and Monday.
The NWS highlighted specific threats and regional impacts:
- Snow accumulation: Up to 1.5 feet (46 cm) of snow is possible in and around New York City, including Long Island, the NWS said.
- Regional severity: A combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds will particularly affect New Jersey through southeastern New England.
- Historic note: This marks the first blizzard warning issued for New York City since 2017.
- Wind forecasts: Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 kph) with gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected Sunday night.
- Coastal exposure: The strongest impacts are forecast along the coast, where there is minor to widespread flood potential.
- Infrastructure risk: Strong winds will likely result in power outages, the NWS said.
- Extended watch area: Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas are under a winter storm watch.
The advisory emphasizes that coastal communities face the greatest concentration of hazards from this system, with both flooding and wind-related impacts noted. Inland areas across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast remain under various snow and storm warnings as the system moves northward.
Officials urged residents in affected areas to prepare for significant accumulations, high winds, and the potential for power interruptions. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong gusts elevates the risk to coastal infrastructure and utilities, the NWS assessment indicates.
As conditions develop from Sunday into Monday, public-safety agencies and utilities in the affected regions will be monitoring the storm and its impacts. The NWS continues to provide updates on snowfall totals, wind speeds, and flood potential as forecasts are refined.
Note: All forecasts and warnings referenced here are those provided by the National Weather Service.