The tri-state will have more slick streets than tricks and treats this weekend as an unusual October storm will bring heavy rain, snow, wind and some coastal flooding throughout the area Saturday.
A winter storm warning is now in effect for counties in our area, including northern Westchester, Rockland, Passaic, Orange and Putnam counties. See the latest warnings and watches here. Up to 10 inches is expected in some parts of the area, while New York City is predicted to see less than 1 inch. Winds will become fierce later in the day, gusting up to 60 miles per hour in spots along the coast. The combination of wind and snow covered trees presents a high risk for power outages.
Check out the predicted snowfall amounts for your region here.
A winter storm warning indicates heavy wet snow that may be mixed with rain. Travel could be dangerous, and motorists who must travel are advised to keep a flashlight, food and blankets in their cars.
Heavy snow is also expected to weigh down trees, many of which still have leaves on them, which could lead to downed trees and power outages.
The New York City Sanitation Department said the October storm is forcing it to ready salt spreaders, plows and snow staff earlier in the season than it has in 40 years.
The department, which famously had trouble plowing streets during last year's Christmas weekend blizzard, also has some new mini-plows, designed to more easily navigate smaller streets.
Some spots around the tri-state will receive their first significant accumulating snowfall of the season. Other areas along the coast will experience a heavy windswept rain that will cause localized flooding.
Coastal areas are also prone to minor to moderate coastal flooding during times of high tide.
A high wind warning is also in effect for Nassau and Suffolk counties, and a wind advisory is in effect in coastal areas.
Local
Rain will push into central New Jersey Saturday morning. The damp weather will continue advancing north towards the city by late morning and into the Hudson Valley by early afternoon.
The storm will begin with a chilly rain in most places, but as colder air works into the area, rain will switch to snow, from northwest to southeast.
Snow will likely be flying on a line from northwest New Jersey to Orange County and points north and west between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday.
Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said motorists should drive carefully.
"There is also the potential for downed trees and wires because of wind conditions," he said.
Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., the rain/snow line will move through the city and onto parts of Long Island.
By midnight, most of the rain over Long Island should change over to snow. The storm will depart very quickly. All snow should stop across the area shortly before sunrise Sunday.
Stay ahead of the storm with our interactive radar.
