Winter Storm Warnings Issued for New York Ahead of Holiday Travel

UPDATE: A significant winter storm is impacting the Northeast as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent winter storm warnings for the Tri-State area through 1 p.m. on December 27, 2025. Heavy snowfall and ice accumulation are expected, creating hazardous travel conditions just ahead of the holiday weekend.

The latest forecast indicates that snowfall totals around New York City and northeast New Jersey have been adjusted to between 2 to 5 inches, with northern metro areas potentially seeing up to 6 inches. A light glaze of ice has also been reported, further complicating conditions for travelers.

Despite a reduction in anticipated snowfall, the NWS warns that overnight travel will be extremely difficult. Significant reductions in visibility due to snow and ice-covered roads could pose serious risks. As Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, stated, “New York is no stranger to snow and cold weather, and given the Christmas holidays, it’s important to be extra prepared before getting on the road.”

“I urge New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast and text their county or borough name to our weather and emergency alerts system. Stay vigilant, drive slowly if you need to travel, and have a safe holiday weekend,” Hochul added.

This winter storm follows a powerful system that impacted the Northeast on December 26, bringing snow accumulations of up to 10 inches in certain areas across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With 122.4 million Americans projected to travel this holiday season, according to AAA, these weather conditions could lead to significant delays and dangerous driving situations.

Travelers are advised to prepare for the worst as conditions worsen. The NWS issues winter storm warnings when hazardous winter weather is either occurring or imminent, indicating that significant inconvenience is expected. A winter weather advisory is also in effect for areas receiving 2 to 4 inches of snow or any amount of freezing rain.

As the storm continues to develop, residents are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed emergency alerts. The combination of snow, sleet, and ice is forecasted to blanket the region through Saturday morning, creating a treacherous environment for those on the roads.

Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve and more details become available. Safety should be the top priority as millions hit the roads this holiday season.