Major Nor’easter Poised To Bring Heavy Snow Across Westchester And Tri State Region

A powerful late-winter Nor’easter is forecast to unleash widespread snowfall across the Tri-State region, including Westchester County, New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into Monday, February 23, 2026. Forecasters warn this storm could rival some of the largest snow events in recent memory, with snow totals potentially exceeding one foot in many communities.

Updated regional projection maps show which towns and counties are likely to receive the heaviest snowfall. These maps have become a critical tool for residents and local authorities to plan snow removal, road safety measures, and public transportation adjustments. Local officials are urging communities to prepare for a prolonged winter storm with strong winds and dangerous travel conditions.

This guide provides a comprehensive guide to the storm, including the projected snowfall, timing, regional impacts, historical context, and recommended precautions for residents and travelers in the Tri-State area.

Major Nor’easter Poised To Bring Heavy Snow Across Westchester And Tri State Region

A powerful late-winter Nor’easter is forecast to unleash widespread snowfall across the Tri-State region, including Westchester County, New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into Monday, February 23, 2026. Forecasters warn this storm could rival some of the largest snow events in recent memory, with snow totals potentially exceeding one foot in many communities.

Updated regional projection maps show which towns and counties are likely to receive the heaviest snowfall. These maps have become a critical tool for residents and local authorities to plan snow removal, road safety measures, and public transportation adjustments. Local officials are urging communities to prepare for a prolonged winter storm with strong winds and dangerous travel conditions.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the storm, including the projected snowfall, timing, regional impacts, historical context, and recommended precautions for residents and travelers in the Tri-State area.

What Is a Nor’easter and Why Is This One Significant?

A Nor’easter is a coastal storm system that forms when cold Arctic air collides with moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. These storms often bring a combination of heavy snow, rain, sleet, and strong northeast winds. They are common during late winter and early spring and can produce blizzard conditions, coastal flooding, and prolonged travel disruptions.

This particular Nor’easter is significant because:

• It involves strong pressure gradients, intensifying both snowfall and winds.

• Blizzard warnings have been issued for several major portions of the Northeast.

• Forecast models have increased expected snowfall totals in recent updates.

• The storm coincides with weekend and weekday commutes, raising public safety concerns.

Unlike typical mid-winter flurries, this storm is expected to produce sustained, heavy snow with potential impacts lasting more than 24 hours, particularly in urban and coastal communities.

Latest Forecast Warnings and Alerts

National and regional weather authorities have issued multiple alerts as of Friday, February 21, 2026:

Blizzard Warnings

Blizzard warnings are in effect for parts of New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut, and Westchester County from early Sunday through Monday evening. These warnings indicate falling and blowing snow combined with strong winds that could reduce visibility to near zero, meeting the criteria for blizzard conditions.

Winter Storm Warnings

Inland areas, including northern New Jersey, interior Connecticut, and lower Hudson Valley communities, have winter storm warnings. These regions are expected to receive substantial snow, though totals may be slightly lower than coastal zones.

Winter Storm Watches

Further inland, winter storm watches have been issued as a precaution, signaling the potential for heavy snow. Forecasts in these areas remain subject to slight changes in the storm’s track and intensity.

These warnings underscore the severity of this Nor’easter and the potential for dangerous conditions across the entire Tri-State region.

Projected Snowfall Totals: What Locals Might See

Updated projection maps indicate heavy snow is likely across most of the Tri-State area, with the highest totals along the coast and in urban centers. Snowfall will vary depending on exact location, elevation, and storm track.

New York City & Surrounding Areas

• New York City: 10 to 18 inches of snow, with some boroughs potentially receiving more.

• Westchester County: Interior communities could see 12 to 20 inches, especially in northern areas near the Hudson Valley.

• Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties): Coastal towns could exceed 15 inches, with some areas approaching 18 inches.

• Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at the storm’s peak.

New Jersey & Connecticut

• Northern and Coastal New Jersey: 10 to 20 inches, with local variations depending on elevation.

• Coastal Connecticut: 13 to 18 inches in southern counties.

• Southern Connecticut inland: 6 to 12 inches, with strong winds contributing to snowdrifts and blowing snow.

Even beyond the core Tri-State zone, heavy snow is expected from eastern Pennsylvania through Massachusetts, making this a multi-state storm with significant impacts.

Timing and Storm Phases

Meteorologists have identified three key phases for the storm:

Phase 1: Sunday Morning to Afternoon

Snow begins in some inland areas early Sunday, potentially mixed with rain near the immediate coast initially. As the storm strengthens offshore, precipitation is expected to transition to steady snowfall by midday.

Phase 2: Sunday Night Peak

Snow intensifies Sunday evening, with the heaviest accumulations expected overnight. Visibility may drop significantly due to blowing snow and strong winds, making travel dangerous.

Phase 3: Monday Morning and Afternoon

Snow continues into Monday, tapering off later in the afternoon. However, strong winds could cause ongoing snowdrifts and whiteout conditions, particularly during the morning commute.

The timing of the storm could severely affect commuters, public transit, and emergency services, making early preparation critical for residents and businesses.

Winds, Visibility, and Blizzard Conditions

Beyond snow totals, this storm is expected to bring:

• Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph near the coast and on Long Island.

• Reduced visibility and whiteout conditions during peak snowfall.

• Heavy, wet snow that may accumulate on tree limbs and power lines, increasing the risk of outages.

Even areas with moderate snowfall could experience blizzard-like conditions due to strong winds and blowing snow. Residents should be prepared for hazardous road conditions and potential disruptions in power and communications.

Local Impacts: School Closures, Transit, and Travel

School and Workplace Closures

Many school districts across Westchester, NYC, Long Island, and Connecticut may close or delay classes as the storm approaches. Districts will make final decisions based on updated forecasts and snowfall totals.

Commute Disruptions

Public transit, including commuter rail, buses, and subways, may face delays or temporary service suspensions. Road travel is expected to be dangerous, with snow accumulation, icy patches, and low visibility affecting most routes.

State transportation departments are deploying snow removal equipment, but persistent heavy snow and high winds will challenge clearance operations throughout the storm.

Recommended Preparations for Residents

Local authorities advise residents to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

• Stock up on essentials, including food, water, and medications.

• Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other loose items.

• Prepare for potential power outages with flashlights, batteries, and emergency kits.

• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.

• Provide shelter and care for pets and livestock where applicable.

Taking these precautions can help households manage extended periods of hazardous conditions and limited mobility.

Historical Context: Snow Patterns in Early 2026

The 2025–2026 winter season has already seen multiple significant snow events in the Northeast, with some Hudson Valley towns reporting double-digit accumulations in January. This Nor’easter continues a trend of active late-winter storm systems, reminding residents and municipalities that preparation and vigilance remain essential.

What Meteorologists Are Watching Next

While forecast confidence is high, details such as the exact track and snowfall distribution could change.

• A slightly easterly track could push the heaviest snow offshore.

• A track closer to the coast may bring higher totals to urban and coastal areas.

• Temperature variations may affect snow-to-rain ratios, especially near the shoreline.

Meteorologists will update projections frequently as new data arrives, meaning residents must remain attentive to evolving forecasts.

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the snow start?
   Snow likely begins Sunday morning, spreading through Sunday night and continuing into Monday.

2. How much snow will New York City receive?
   Forecasts indicate 10–18 inches of snow, depending on location and elevation.

3. Are blizzard conditions expected?
   Yes. Blizzard warnings are in effect for NYC, Long Island, and southern Connecticut.

4. Will the snow affect weekday travel?
   Yes. Heavy snow and strong winds during Monday morning could severely impact commutes.

5. Should residents prepare for power outages?
   Yes. Heavy, wet snow on trees and power lines may cause outages in multiple areas.

6. Will other states beyond the Tri-State be affected?
   Yes. Eastern Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island could see significant snow and travel impacts.

7. When will the snow end?
   Snow should taper off Monday afternoon, though blowing snow may persist into the evening.

Conclusion

The approaching Nor’easter poses a serious threat of heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel across the Tri-State region, including Westchester County, New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Blizzard and winter storm warnings indicate that conditions could be severe between Sunday and Monday, with some areas receiving well over a foot of snow.

Residents are strongly encouraged to prepare early by stocking up on essentials, limiting travel, and monitoring updated forecasts. This storm could disrupt daily life, transportation, and power services, making readiness essential. Communities and households that take proactive precautions will be better equipped to manage snow accumulation, visibility hazards, and winter storm impacts. Staying informed, planning ahead, and following official advisories will help minimize risks during this major winter event.