Storm System to Bring Snow Across NY and NJ as Upstate Prepares for Heavy Lake-Effect Bands

NEW YORK — The first meaningful snowfall of the season is expected to hit parts of New York and New Jersey on Tuesday, with totals ranging from light coatings to several inches, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, Upstate New York is bracing for multiple rounds of lake-effect snow that could last into next week.

Downstate, snowfall is expected to be modest, with a coastal low moving through the region early Tuesday. Forecast totals include:

New York City: ~0.3 inches

Newark: ~0.7 inches

Paramus: ~0.9 inches

White Plains: ~0.6 inches

West Milford: ~4.9 inches

Forecasters say Orange, Putnam and Passaic counties could see the highest early-week totals at around 3 to 5 inches, while most of New Jersey and the Lower Hudson Valley may receive up to 2 inches. Meteorologists caution totals may shift as the system evolves.

Upstate New York Faces Much More Severe Conditions

Farther north, a separate pattern will bring significant lake-effect snow for communities east and southeast of the Great Lakes. The Weather Prediction Center warned that “quick bursts of heavy snow and white-out conditions” will be possible across the Interior Northeast as cold air flows over the relatively warm lakes.

Projected 72-hour accumulations across Upstate New York:

Buffalo / Lake Erie snowbelt: 8–12 inches, locally higher

Rochester region: 4–8 inches

Syracuse / Central NY: 3–6 inches

Adirondacks: 6–12 inches, with isolated higher totals

Southern NY / Hudson Valley: generally 2–4 inches or less

The National Weather Service office in Buffalo says the heaviest lake-effect bands may produce 1–2 inches per hour, particularly in southern Erie County, Wyoming County, the western Southern Tier, and southeast of Lake Ontario into the Tug Hill Plateau, where 10–20 inches are possible through Friday night.

Snow to Continue On and Off Through Early Next Week

Lake-effect snow is expected to taper early Saturday as a brief high-pressure system brings quieter weather. A weaker disturbance late Saturday into Sunday could bring 1–3 inches across much of the region, with 3–5 inches at higher elevations. Some lower-elevation areas may see a mix of rain and snow.

After a short lull Monday, another coastal system could arrive Monday night into Tuesday. If the storm tracks close to the shoreline, it could strengthen into a possible nor’easter, though forecasters say confidence is still low.

Travel Impacts Expected Across the Region

Officials warn drivers to expect slick roads, blowing snow near the lakes, reduced visibility, and fast-changing conditions, especially across western and northern New York. Even areas expecting lighter amounts may deal with delays during the Tuesday morning commute.

Residents across the state should plan for on-and-off snowfall through midweek, with the potential for additional systems to follow.