Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Tri-State Area
A winter weather advisory has been issued for much of the tri-state area in anticipation of light freezing rain Friday night into Saturday morning. Areas north and west of I-95 will be most susceptible to a thin glaze of ice on the ground early Saturday morning.
Freezing Rain Expected
After a chilly but dry Friday, clouds increase later in the afternoon and precipitation will ramp up at night. Temperatures aloft are above freezing, so the precipitation will develop as rain. But surface temperatures will vary through the tri-state, which means different things will happen once the precipitation hits the ground.
Ice Formation
Overnight – most likely after midnight – surface temperatures in the advisory area will dip below freezing. When that happens, the rain that falls will freeze on contact with whatever surface it hits (hence why it is called freezing rain). Expect a thin glaze of ice on untreated sidewalks, driveways, roads, and bridges.
Travel Warnings
Don’t be fooled: A glaze of ice on a road or sidewalk looks exactly like wet pavement. You only realize it’s ice when you slip and fall or your car slides out of control, so assume it’s ice and not water. Any untreated roadways, sidewalks, steps could become slick.
Precautions
The best course of action, if possible, is to stay off the roads until temperatures warm above freezing and the glaze melts Saturday morning. If you must get out, though, allow for extra time to get to your destination and drive very slowly.
Regional Impacts
The areas closer to the coast, including New York City, will remain above freezing. In those spots, icing will not be a concern. The main risk area will be in central and northern New Jersey, the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and inland Connecticut. Those areas will dip to below freezing overnight.
Why Freezing Rain Instead of Snow?
You may wonder why, if the temperature drops below freezing, we wouldn’t get snow instead of freezing rain. The type of wintry precipitation we get, unfortunately, takes more into account than just surface temperature. Temperatures aloft are critical in determining what type of frozen precipitation falls.
Conclusion
Thankfully, any ice that does fall will not be sticking around too long. Temperatures everywhere in the tri-state will be back above freezing by Saturday afternoon, and will continue to rise from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected impact of the winter weather advisory?
A: A thin glaze of ice on untreated surfaces, making roads and sidewalks slippery.
Q: Which areas will be most affected by the winter weather advisory?
A: Areas north and west of I-95, including central and northern New Jersey, the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and inland Connecticut.
Q: Will the rain cause any flooding?
A: Yes, minor river flooding is anticipated in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Q: Will the rain cause any disruptions to travel?
A: Yes, expected rain and wind could cause delays at airports and make travel conditions hazardous.
