A powerful winter storm swept across the northeastern United States on Friday, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain that disrupted post-holiday travel and prompted emergency declarations in both New York and New Jersey. Officials warned that rapidly deteriorating conditions could pose serious risks to motorists, travelers, and essential services as the storm intensified through the weekend.
The system, described by forecasters as a complex mix of snow and ice, began pushing into western New York before spreading eastward into the New York City metropolitan area, northern New Jersey, and parts of New England. Meteorologists warned that some areas could see snowfall rates exceeding two inches per hour during the storm’s most intense phases.
Widespread Warnings Across the Region
The National Weather Service issued winter storm and ice storm warnings across much of New York State and Connecticut, with forecasters highlighting Long Island and the Hudson Valley as areas at risk for particularly heavy accumulation. In localized pockets, snowfall totals could approach or exceed one foot, depending on how the storm’s rain-to-snow transition unfolds.
New York City officials warned residents to prepare for the most significant snowfall the city has experienced since 2022. Emergency managers cautioned that a combination of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain could make roads especially treacherous, even in areas that see slightly lower totals.
Snow began falling in earnest Friday evening and was expected to intensify overnight into Saturday. In many areas, precipitation was forecast to alternate between snow and sleet, with periods of freezing rain potentially glazing roadways and sidewalks with ice.
States Activate Emergency Powers
In response to the worsening forecast, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an emergency declaration on Friday, warning that hazardous road conditions and poor visibility could severely impact travel during an already busy holiday period. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary trips and to allow road crews space to operate safely.
New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way followed suit, declaring a statewide emergency across all 21 counties. The declaration took effect Friday afternoon and remains in place until officials determine that conditions have improved sufficiently.
“Starting this afternoon, we will experience a severe winter storm bringing dangerous outdoor conditions to our state,” Way said in a statement. “This storm will cause dangerous road conditions and impact holiday travel. We are urging travelers to avoid travel during the storm and allow crews to tend to the roads.”
The declaration grants state authorities broad powers to manage the response, including controlling traffic flow, coordinating emergency operations at the state and local levels, and ordering evacuations if conditions warrant.
Snowfall Totals and Ice Threats Vary by Area
Forecasters said the storm’s impacts would vary significantly across the region. In northern and central New Jersey, winter storm warnings were issued for 11 counties, including Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Sussex. These areas were expected to see snow and sleet accumulations ranging from five to eight inches, with isolated totals potentially reaching 10 inches in higher elevations.
Morris and Sussex counties were identified as likely to experience some of the most severe conditions, including heavy snow mixed with sleet and light ice accumulation. Warren County was also expected to see significant snowfall combined with icy conditions that could complicate road treatment efforts.
Further south, eight New Jersey counties were placed under winter weather advisories, with expected accumulations generally lower but still hazardous. Southern areas were forecast to receive between one and four inches of snow, with occasional sleet and freezing rain.
In New York, portions of southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York were forecast to receive six to nine inches of snow, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between Friday evening and midnight. Forecasters warned that even brief periods of freezing rain could significantly worsen travel conditions.
Travel Disruptions Mount Quickly
The storm’s arrival coincided with a busy post-Christmas travel window, leading to widespread transportation disruptions. By Friday evening, more than 1,600 flights had been canceled nationwide, with nearly 8,300 additional flights delayed, according to flight-tracking data. Major airports serving the New York City region were among those most affected as airlines adjusted schedules in anticipation of worsening weather.
Highways and interstates across the region were also expected to be impacted. New Jersey officials announced restrictions on certain commercial vehicles beginning Friday afternoon, including tractor-trailers, empty commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles towing trailers on major routes such as Interstate 78, Interstate 80, Interstate 280, Interstate 287, and Route 440.
Transportation departments across both states mobilized snowplows, salt trucks, and emergency crews ahead of the storm, positioning equipment to respond quickly once snowfall intensified. Officials emphasized that despite these preparations, rapidly accumulating snow and ice could still overwhelm roadways during peak periods.
Power Outage Concerns Grow
Beyond travel, officials warned that the combination of heavy, wet snow, ice accumulation, and high winds could bring down trees and power lines. Such damage could lead to widespread outages, particularly in areas where ice coats branches and infrastructure.
Emergency managers cautioned that power disruptions could complicate access to essential services, including police, fire, and emergency medical response. Residents were advised to ensure they had flashlights, batteries, and other emergency supplies on hand in case of prolonged outages.
Visibility and Safety Risks Increase
The National Weather Service warned that visibility could drop below a quarter mile in some areas due to falling and blowing snow. These conditions could make driving extremely dangerous, especially during heavier bursts of precipitation when road conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Sleet and freezing rain were also expected to create slick surfaces that could persist even after plowing, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads. Officials urged drivers to reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid travel if possible during the storm’s peak.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Guidance
Residents across the region were encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and emergency alerts. New Jersey officials directed residents to the state’s emergency preparedness website for the latest information, while New York-area residents were advised to follow updates from local National Weather Service offices.
Emergency declarations in both states allow for coordinated responses across agencies and jurisdictions, ensuring that resources can be deployed quickly where they are most needed. Officials stressed that conditions could change rapidly as the storm evolves, making real-time information critical.
As the Northeast braces for another round of winter weather, authorities emphasized caution, preparation, and patience, noting that the storm’s impacts could linger even after snowfall tapers off. With hazardous conditions expected to persist through the weekend, residents were urged to prioritize safety and limit travel until roads and infrastructure can be fully cleared.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
