National Weather Service Announces Major Change for 'Urgent' Winter Storm Warning

Earlier this week, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued what it described as an "urgent" winter storm warning for four states in the northeastern United States, with as much as 10 inches of snow expected between Friday and Saturday. However, things have changed.

On Friday evening, the NWS issued an update for its winter storm warning, providing a rather significant change in the forecast for the amount of snow expected to hit New York City.

Initial Snow Projection

On Friday morning, the NWS issued a series of “urgent” winter storm warnings for parts of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York – including New York City – warning of up to 10 inches of snow in some areas.

“Moderate to heavy snow will develop early this evening and will continue overnight, gradually decreasing in intensity after midnight. Snowfall rates of one to two inches an
hour will be possible at times through midnight. The snow will taper off Saturday morning to scattered snow showers and flurries,” the NWS wrote in its winter storm warning.

Obviously, this amount of snow was expected to make travel quite difficult in those areas.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses will quickly become slick and hazardous. Travel could become difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute,” the service added.

Change in Projection

On Friday evening, the NWS of New York issued an updated winter storm warning, providing a change in the amount of snow expected in the New York City area.

While previous projections called for up to 10 inches of snow in the New York City region, a shift in the storm led the NWS to project "significantly reduced snow and sleet accumulations" in the area.

"Due to a further northeast shift of mix precipitation, forecast snowfall totals around NYC and northeast NJ have been lowered," the NWS wrote in a post on X.

Due to a further northeast shift of mix precipitation, forecast snowfall totals around NYC and northeast NJ have been lowered. Latest briefing here: https://t.co/610UeEFm73#NYCwx #NYwx #CTwx #NJwx pic.twitter.com/a8RUj3yUcM

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) December 27, 2025

Instead of up to 10 inches as originally projected to hit New York City, the updated projection called for under five inches of snow in the area between Friday and Saturday.

It's worth noting that parts of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other parts of New York were all still projected to receive up to 10 inches of snow, but the projection for New York City was simply less.

Still a Risk

While the updated projection calls for far less snowfall in New York City, the NWS warns that there is still a risk for travelers.

"Difficult travel overnight from a quick moving winter storm bringing heavy snow (wintry mix for NYC/NJ metro), significantly reduced visibilities, and snow, sleet and ice covered roads," the NWS warned.

The NWS warned of the possibility of "isolated downed tree branches and power outages" in the area.