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NYC, NJ forecasts now warn up to 10 inches of snow expected for Sunday storm
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Giulia Heyward
Published Feb 20, 2026
Modified Feb 20, 2026
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Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Giulia Heyward
Published Feb 20, 2026
Modified Feb 20, 2026
Share
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As a potentially heavy snowstorm gets closer to New York City, the projections are getting nastier with meteorologists now saying the storm could bring up to 10 inches of snow to the New York City area Sunday into Monday.
The worst-case prediction from the National Weather Service early Friday afternoon roughly doubles projections meteorologists gave just a few hours earlier. But the NWS is still cautioning the track, timing and strength of the system are big unknowns.
Meteorologists’ expectations as of midday Friday were for light snow starting as soon as Sunday morning and not tapering off until Monday afternoon.
“One thing I will say is that the temperatures this time around will be much more marginal,” James Tomasini, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York said. “At the start of this event, they’ll be a little bit above freezing and won’t dip right around freezing until Sunday night.”
That’s a marked contrast from the extended cold snap that followed January’s major snowstorm. More than 20 people were found dead in the cold or at residences in the weeks that followed.
National weather service projections for the coming storm show around 7" in much of the NYC area.
National Weather Service
Tomasini said computer models only began to indicate in the past 12-24 hours that snow “would be on the heavier side.”
Officials are warning New Yorkers to take precautions.
"Be ready to adjust travel plans Sunday and Monday morning, including caregiving schedules," the city's Emergency Management agency posted on X. "Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday and Monday morning if you can to allow snow operations crews to operate. If you are traveling, use mass transit and expect travel delays."
Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding New Yorkers to stay prepared for wintry weather.
“Be sure to travel smart and leave yourself ample time to get to where you’re going,” she said in a statement Thursday. “Pack your car with emergency essentials and drive slowly as slick roadways can be dangerous.”
Northeast gusts up to 30 or 40 mph are predicted on Sunday. There’s also a risk for some coastal flooding during high tides on Sunday and Monday, NWS said.
The forecast shows temperatures in the 40s on Friday and Saturday, followed by a dip into the mid-30s on Sunday and early next week.
And for New Yorkers willing enough to step outside, here’s a roundup of some of the best wintry activities in the city.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Tagged
new york city
snow
weather
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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