Blizzard Warning for NYC and Long Island: Up to 22 Inches Forecast for Suffolk in Rare Tri-State Nor’easter

Blizzard Warning for NYC and Long Island: Suffolk Could See Up to 22 Inches of Snow

As schools resume after February break and vacationers return from sunny getaways, a rare blizzard threatens New York City and Long Island with whiteout conditions, power outages and major travel disruptions.

A powerful winter storm is poised to slam the Tri-State area from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning — with Long Island, especially Suffolk County, in the bull’s-eye for the highest snowfall totals.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for New York City and Long Island from 6 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday — the first blizzard warning for the area in years. Winter storm warnings extend north and west into the Lower Hudson Valley and interior Connecticut.

First Blizzard Warning in Years as Major Winter Storm Targets NYC and Long Island

Forecasters say this could be the region’s biggest snowmaker since the historic January 2016 storm and the first true blizzard conditions here since 2017.

Just as students return to classrooms following February break and travelers head back to New York from warm-weather escapes, the region is bracing for what could be one of its most disruptive winter storms in nearly a decade.

How Much Snow for NYC and Long Island? Suffolk Could See 18 to 22 Inches

Heavy, wet snow is expected to overspread the region Sunday, with totals climbing quickly as temperatures drop and winds intensify.

Projected snowfall totals:

• Suffolk County: 18 to 22 inches possible
• Nassau County: 16 to 24 inches possible
• New York City: 13 to 18 inches likely, with isolated higher totals
• Brooklyn and Queens: 16 to 17 inches, with potential for locally higher banding

Eastern Long Island remains particularly vulnerable to heavier coastal snow bands, which could significantly boost accumulations in parts of Suffolk County.

Dangerous Travel, 55 mph Wind Gusts and Power Outage Threat

The most intense part of the storm is expected late Sunday afternoon through sunrise Monday.

Snowfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour, especially across Long Island and coastal New York City. Wind gusts up to 55 mph may create near-zero visibility and whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous — if not impossible — Sunday night into early Monday.

Heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds raises the risk of downed trees and power lines, widespread power outages, and significant disruptions across road, rail and air travel.

Coastal Flooding Concerns Along South Shore and NYC Waterfront

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible during high tides, particularly along the South Shore of Long Island, Jamaica Bay, Staten Island, the Battery, and portions of Queens and the Bronx.

Water levels could rise 2.5 to 3 feet above normal high tide, prompting a Coastal Flood Warning.

Timeline: When the Snow Starts and When It Peaks

Saturday remains the calm before the storm, with increasing clouds and highs in the mid-to-upper 40s.

Light snow begins around sunrise Sunday. Early temperatures just above freezing may limit initial accumulation, with perhaps a slushy inch by early afternoon. As colder air wraps into the strengthening coastal system, snowfall becomes steadier and heavier through the afternoon and evening.

By Sunday night, the storm rapidly intensifies offshore, locking in colder air and transitioning all precipitation to heavy snow.

For residents in New York City and across Long Island — especially in Suffolk County — this is shaping up to be a significant, high-impact winter event. Travel plans Sunday into Monday should be reconsidered, and preparations for potential power outages are strongly advised.

*In response to severe weather conditions, The Town of East Hamptons and the Town of Southampton issued the following statements:

Town of East Hampton

*Winter Storm Advisory*

Town of Southampton

Blizzard Warning 2/22-2/23

A significant snow event is expected. A Blizzard Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for our area. The forecast now indicates that we may receive 13-18″ of snow between Sunday & Monday. Coastal flooding and gusty winds as well.

– Residents are urged to avoid travel during the storm.
– Be mindful of ponding and pooling of water on roadways and avoid driving into flooded roadways. Flooding in coastal areas may also be covered by snow and may be more dangerous than it appears. Use extreme caution.
– Move cars off the roads before and during snowfall to allow plows to navigate roadways more easily and successfully without obstructions.
– Do Not push snow from properties into roadways.
– Use caution on any untreated surfaces during the storm as they may be slippery.
– Expect possible delays or prolonged travel times on Monday due to any potential storm impacts.