A powerful and fast-moving winter storm unleashed a barrage of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the Tri-State area overnight, creating hazardous conditions and disrupting travel in New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in New York confirmed the intense weather event, which led to snow-covered roads and dangerously reduced visibility for commuters and residents.
Snowfall Totals and Heaviest Hit Areas
According to the latest data from the NWS New York, the storm deposited significant snowfall across the region, with the heaviest accumulations reported east and northeast of New York City. Central Park recorded 4.3 inches, while the major airports saw similar totals: LaGuardia at 4.1 inches and JFK at 4.2 inches. Newark in New Jersey received 4.2 inches.
The highest snowfall was reported in parts of Connecticut and Long Island. Bridgeport, Connecticut, measured a substantial 7.1 inches, and Islip, New York, received 6.6 inches. The NWS New York office itself reported 6.5 inches of snow.
The areas experiencing the most severe impacts were the Lower Hudson Valley, southern Connecticut, and Long Island. Forecasters noted these regions saw snowfall totals ranging from 6 to 11 inches, with some local areas getting up to 12 inches. The peak snowfall rates were intense, reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour and briefly hitting 3 inches per hour in southern Connecticut.
Wintry Mix and Travel Hazards
While some areas saw dry, powdery snow due to temperatures in the lower to mid-20s, a wintry mix complicated conditions in New York City and northeast New Jersey. This mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain resulted in 2 to 5 inches of accumulation, locally up to 6 inches, with a light glaze of ice possible from freezing rain.
The NWS New York issued stern warnings about travel, citing snow- and ice-covered roads and sharply reduced visibility as major dangers. At the height of the storm, visibility dropped to as low as a quarter of a mile, especially before 1 AM as heavy snow bands moved through. This combination significantly increased the risk of slick roads, isolated downed tree branches, and potential power outages.
Forecast and National Weather Outlook
As of the morning of December 27, 2025, snowfall had begun to taper off in some areas but continued across the New York City metro, Long Island, and northeast New Jersey through daybreak. A Winter Storm Warning remained in effect for the local Tri-State area until 1 PM on Saturday.
Looking ahead nationally, forecasters are monitoring a significant shift. The Weather Prediction Center indicates that Arctic air will plunge into the Plains beginning Sunday. This will be followed by a powerful winter storm developing across the upper Midwest and Great Lakes from Sunday night into Monday. There is a risk of blizzard conditions, with snowfall expected to exceed a foot in parts of the region, particularly along the south shore of Lake Superior.
