NYC Snow Storm Update as 'Near Blizzard Conditions' Expected Along Coast

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect across the New York City area, with five to seven inches of snow expected for the New York City/New Jersey metro area, according to the National Weather Service.

The snowfall rate is forecast to reach around 2 to 4 inches per hour in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, with "near blizzard conditions expected especially closer to the coast," the NWS tweeted on Monday.

That came after a Twitter post on Sunday, warning: "Much of the area [New York, New Jersey, Connecticut] will see 8" [inches] to just over 12" (the 12"-18" range is closer to 12" not 18"), with lesser amounts for E [east] areas."

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued "for all or part of the New York City area. High snow accumulations, cold temperatures, high winds, and low visibilities are expected," noted the New York City Emergency Management (NYC EM) website.

New York City Emergency Management (NYC EM), the city's official emergency notification agency, alerted residents on Monday that the warning was in place until 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

"Roads may be dangerous due to hazardous conditions," it tweeted. "Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause power outages."

Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a "significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards," according to the NWS.

"Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations," it states on its website. "Delay your travel plans until conditions improve."

A coastal flood warning is in place for the New York City boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn from 8 p.m. local time Monday to 1 a.m. on Tuesday, NYC EM has said.

Coastal flood warnings remain in effect for Long Island and the southern portion of the New York City borough of Queens through Monday evening, the NWS noted.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a state of emergency on Sunday.

In a tweet, the mayor wrote: "Beginning 6 AM tomorrow, February 1, nonessential travel will be restricted in New York City. This winter storm will be dangerous with heavy snowfall and strong winds. If you can stay home, stay home. Keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles."

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed state agencies to mobilize emergency response resources and has banned long tandems on sections of the state's Thruway, including on I-87, I-95 and I-287, his office said in a statement issued on Sunday.

The office warned up to 18 inches of snow is forecast across New York City, the Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions, with wind gusts above 60 miles per hour at the eastern end of Long Island.

Cuomo tweeted Sunday: "I urge New Yorkers to keep a very close eye on the weather over the next few days & take steps to stay safe."

The NWS warned: "Widespread heavy snow of one to two feet is forecast from Pennsylvania into New England including Philadelphia, New York City and Boston through Tuesday. Snowfall rates may reach 2"/hr [inches/hour]," as a Nor'easter slowly shifts north just off the east coast from Monday through Tuesday.

The NWS explains: "A Nor'easter is a storm along the East Coast of North America, so called because the winds over the coastal area are typically from the northeast. These storms may occur at any time of year but are most frequent and most violent between September and April.

"They nearly always bring precipitation in the form of heavy rain or snow, as well as winds of gale force, rough seas, and, occasionally, coastal flooding to the affected regions. The heavily populated region between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, the 'I-95 Corridor,' is especially impacted by Nor'easters."