Alberta Clipper winds are expected to bring “intense snow squalls” followed by “heavy lake-effect snow” to parts of the Northeast, as a wind advisory will remain in effect in New York City until late Thursday night, officials said.
The fast-moving low-pressure system that ended the Big Apple’s long stretch of springlike weather will continue to bring gusty winds and colder temperatures to the area.
“Snow squalls, strong winds and periods of heavy snow [will] impact areas [of the Northeast] on Wednesday and Thursday,” the National Weather Service said in its early Wednesday morning update.
Snow squalls are defined by the agency as quick-moving weather events associated with sudden whiteout conditions and falling temperatures. They can produce icy roads in just a few minutes and “cause localized extreme impacts to the traveling public … for brief periods of time.”
Winter storm watches are in effect for portions of western and northern New York, portions of western Pennsylvania, as well as Michigan and northeastern Ohio, according to the Weather Prediction Center.
An Arctic cold front will bring intense snow squalls, strong winds, followed by heavy lake-effect snow through Thursday. Expect dangerous travel, whiteouts, power outages, and hazardous commutes across the Great Lakes, central Appalachians, and Northeast. pic.twitter.com/0mfyJNt3si
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 4, 2024
The powerful winter system, which has blasted parts of the Midwest with bitter cold and whiteout conditions, is expected to sweep across the Great Lakes on Wednesday into the Northeast by early Thursday morning.
In New York City, winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
New Yorkers are being urged to use caution when walking or driving tall vehicles and to stay clear of downed power lines.
“Winds at these speeds can cause flying debris, cause unsecured objects to fly, and cause power outages,” Notify NYC, the city’s official emergency communications program, said in a statement. “Charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn refrigerators and freezers to a colder setting.”
.@MTA: Due to expected high winds, empty tractor-trailers and tandem trailers will be prohibited from MTA Bridges from 10AM to 10PM on Thursday, December 5th.
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) December 4, 2024
Empty tractor trailers and tandem trailers will not be allowed on MTA bridges from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, the agency said Wednesday morning.
Wind gusts at 50 mph could also lead to airline delays at many of the airports in the Northeast, according to AccuWeather.
“Winds will howl Thursday afternoon and evening in the Northeast,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist John Feerick.
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