Winter Weather Advisory Issued for New York Area Ahead of MLK Day Weekend

Messy winter weather is expected to impact travel and outdoor plans across the region during the three-day Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday for parts of New York and New Jersey, as a fast-moving snow system impacts the region, the National Weather Service said.

New York City and Long Island are expected to see light snowfall, with less than half an inch forecast, while parts of northeast New Jersey could pick up up to 2 inches, mainly inland. Roads may become slick during the morning hours as snow falls during the commute.

Parts of NYC, Long Island and New Jersey could be hit with snow this weekend, making a mess of the MLK three day weekend. Photo by Tony Gunther

The heaviest snow is expected farther inland across the Interior Lower Hudson Valley and western Passaic County, New Jersey, where 2 to 4 inches are likely, with isolated totals up to 5 inches possible. Snowfall rates could reach up to 1 inch per hour from mid-morning into the early afternoon before tapering off later in the day.

Snow will begin dry and fluffy overnight before turning wetter by late morning as temperatures rise from the mid-20s into the mid-30s inland, and upper 30s to near 40 near the coast. Forecasters warn of hazardous travel, reduced visibility, and snow-covered roads through much of Saturday morning.

Another round of light snow is possible Sunday, though confidence remains low to moderate and will depend on the track of an offshore storm system.