New York, Northeast Brace for Icy Commute, Potential Snow
Prepare for a wintry commute on Thursday morning in New York City and the Northeast. A fast-moving system is expected to bring sleet, freezing rain, and possibly snow.
Winter weather advisories span from Oklahoma to Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago will face icy conditions on Wednesday, marking the first of two minor icy systems crossing the eastern U.S. through the weekend.
New York City may receive 1-2 inches of snow and sleet. "It's that dreaded winter mix," said Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster at the U.S. Weather Prediction Center. "In New York, it might begin as snow, but it's not a prolonged event. Unfortunately, it's expected during rush hour."
Such storms can disrupt road and rail traffic, delay or cancel flights, and cause temporary power outages if ice accumulates on trees and powerlines.
This system heralds a shift in the weather pattern, potentially bringing additional snow and ice bursts to the eastern U.S. A second wave will impact New York, Chicago, and the Northeast starting Saturday. Forecast models indicate a possible third storm later next week.
"We're entering an active period," said Oravec. "We'll monitor the situation as it unfolds."