Blizzard Warning Sunday 1PM – Monday 6PM: 15 – 20+ Inches, 55 MPH Winds, Whiteout Conditions; Coastal Flood Warning Sunday Night 10PM – Monday 2AM

A rare and potentially historic winter storm is bearing down on the Tri-State area, with forecasters warning of blizzard conditions from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning from 1 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday, calling for 15 to 20 or more inches of snow, wind gusts exceeding 55 mph, and dangerous whiteout conditions that could make travel nearly impossible at times. A Coastal Flood Warning is also in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Monday.

If projections hold, this storm could rival some of the most memorable winter events in recent years. Meteorologists say it has the potential to be the biggest snowmaker to hit the region since the record-setting blizzard of January 2016, the largest snowfall event ever recorded in New York City. The last time the region experienced an official blizzard warning was in March 2017, underscoring just how unusual this setup is.

The city has already seen a snowier winter than last year. Central Park has recorded 22.3 inches of snow so far this season, well above the 12.9 inches logged during the same period last year. This incoming system could widen that gap significantly.

Local and state leaders are preparing for widespread disruptions. New York City officials are urging residents to stay alert as conditions evolve. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Saturday that a decision on whether schools will close Monday will be announced Sunday, signaling that city leaders are still assessing the storm’s final track and intensity.

Sanitation crews across the five boroughs are mobilizing ahead of the storm. Roughly 5,000 workers are set to operate on 12-hour shifts, supported by thousands of plows and salt spreaders staged across the city to keep major roadways passable. Still, officials warn that heavy snowfall combined with strong winds could limit the effectiveness of plowing operations during peak conditions.

Across the Hudson, New Jersey is also bracing for impact. Governor Mikie Sherrill has declared a statewide state of emergency covering all 21 counties beginning at noon Sunday. The declaration is intended to streamline emergency response efforts and allow resources to be deployed quickly if conditions deteriorate.

New York State is taking similar precautions. Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for 22 counties effective Sunday morning. She announced that 100 members of the New York National Guard have already been activated and positioned across Long Island, New York City, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Their role will be to support first responders, assist with transportation challenges, and help ensure critical services remain operational during the storm.

With heavy snow, powerful winds, and coastal flooding all in play, officials are urging residents to prepare now and limit travel once conditions worsen. While the exact totals will vary by location, the message from forecasters and leaders alike is clear: this is not a routine winter storm. It is a rare, high-impact event that could reshape the region’s winter record books and test infrastructure across the Tri-State area.

Listen to WOR 710 for real-time updates and up-to-the-minute coverage on the free iHeartRadio app. Charge your phone. We’ll be with you through the blizzard.

Doc Reno