Heavy snow and ice is forecast to sweep across New York, bringing what forecasters are calling a “messy mix” to the region. Starting on Tuesday morning, commuters in New York and the Northeast could experience severe delays on roads and at regional airports in the affected areas. CBS2’s John Elliott said “The problem is it starts as snow, then we see some warm air overrun that.
“So then you have drops, but the drops will ice as they hit the snow, so you go from snow to sleet to freezing rain.
“So it’s the changing nature of the storm that will cause the problems tomorrow.”
Mr Elliot called the upcoming weather a “messy mix.”
Winter storm watches and advisories have been issued for parts of New York as two systems threaten to bring snow, ice and rain.
The watches have been issued for areas to the far north and west of the city.
The snow storm is expected to bring a widespread distribution of wintry precipitation, which could bring slippery and treacherous travel.
The snow will change to rain in New York City and at the coast, but an extended period of ice and possible power outages could occur to the north and west.
Snow and sleet accumulation of two to four inches are possible and wind gusts up to 29mph will make it feel colder than usual.
Ed Vallee, owner and meteorologist at Empire Weather LLC said: “A fast-moving storm will impact the Northeast Monday night through Tuesday night with a plethora of precipitation types.
“Initially, enough cold air will be present to promote snow from Philadelphia to Boston Monday night into Tuesday.
“However, warmer air will turn snow to sleet and rain from south to north Monday night through Tuesday evening, making for a messy mixture of precipitation and a tricky morning and evening commute for many Tuesday.
“At this time, 1-3 inches of snow is expected from Philadelphia to Boston, along with a messy coating of sleet and ice on top before a change to rain.
“Across the interior, 3-6 inches of snow along with an icy mix is expected including Allentown, Pa. and Hartford, Ct.
“6-12 inches of snow is likely across northern New York and northern New England, benefiting ski areas ahead of the President’s Day weekend.
“All precipitation will end Tuesday night into Wednesday morning from southwest to northeast.”
In addition to areas in the Northeast, eastern Iowa, Wisconsin and northern Michigan will experience the worst snow.
After the storm on Tuesday dissipates, temperatures will increase in New York before the second winter storm starts to move east this weekend.