The second punch of an unpredictable winter storm that buried parts of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions with snow was expected to bring more strong winds, a few inches of snow and the possibility of more coastal flooding Thursday for New York City as well as storm-ravaged towns along the New Jersey shore and Long Island.
The front line of the multi-faceted storm system on Wednesday brought damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph and flooding during high tides that swallowed the remnants of boardwalks damaged by Sandy.
Localized power outages were reported amid the intense wind gusts along the coast, but most power had been restored by Thursday morning.
Winds began to decline in intensity early Thursday as tides ebbed, but meteorologists say a new punch of precipitation comes Thursday night and lingers into the pre-dawn hours Friday.
The winds have changed to a northerly direction, so the coastal flood threat subsides. Minor flooding is possible with the next high tide cycle Thursday afternoon and evening, and again early Friday. A coastal flood warning is in effect for the Jersey shore, and a coastal flood advisory has been issued through the morning for the five boroughs of New York City, New York Harbor, the south shore of Long Island and the Long Island Sound.
Forecasters say 1 to 2 inches of snow could accumulate in the city overnight, and areas in higher elevations could see up to 4 inches by Friday morning. The National Weather Service was predicting up to 7 inches of heavy, wet snow in southeastern Connecticut through Friday morning and wind gusts that could hit 50 mph, bringing more possible power outages.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect for much of the region until noon Friday.
Check NBC 4 New York for any school closures and delayed openings. Also, track the storm with our interactive radar.
Meteorologists say the wet snow could make for a slushy morning commute Friday, but temperatures above freezing for most of the week have kept road surfaces fairly warm, so icing will not be a significant concern, nor will accumulation.
The weather turns warmer for the weekend, with temperatures expected to break into the 50s. The mild temperatures will continue into the early part of next week with partly sunny skies, meteorologists say.
