New York Metro Weather has issued a Snowstorm Watch for: Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, and Union counties in New Jersey...Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, Manhattan, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties in New York...and Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield counties in Connecticut.  This Snowstorm Watch is valid from 2:00pm Sunday afternoon through 5:00pm Monday evening. A Snowstorm Watch is issued when forecasters expect the potential for six inches or more of snow to occur over the watch time period.--typically issued one to three days in advance of a storm system, prior to a warning. The snow accumulation may cause travel difficulties, delays, and stoppages...and may be hazardous to driving and traveling. The official text for the Snowstorm Watch is below.


New York Metro Weather
Snowstorm Watch
3:30am December 25th, 2010

...This is not an official National Weather Service product and should not be confused for an official watch, warning or advisory...

*Counties incuded: 
New Jersey: Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, and Union
New York: Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, Manhattan, Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, and Suffolk
Connecticut: Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield 


...Strong coastal storm system may impact the area with heavy snow and wind...

A strong coastal storm system is forecast to develop off the southeast states by Christmas afternoon. Another storm system dropping south out of Canada into the Plains states is then forecast to phase with this storm system as it turns up the coast. This will favor the development of a very strong low pressure system off the Mid-Atlantic coast, which is then forecast to move northeast towards the 40/70 Benchmark south of Cape Cod. The result will be the potential for very heavy snow in the forecast area, specifically close to the coast. The forecast models still project some uncertainty in the forecast track. A closer to the coast track would ensure heavy snowfall for the entire region--with blizzard conditions along the coast and potentially back towards Western Long Island and the NYC Metro. A further east track would keep the heaviest snowfall amounts confined to the coastal sections. 


Even with the degree of uncertainty, we had enough confidence to issue the Snowstorm Watch this morning. Currently, it appears plausible (confidence over 50%) that any area in the watch could receive 6 or more inches of snow. The uncertainty at this time precludes any other snowfall total guesses or forecast maps. Things should be much more clear by Christmas afternoon. If you have any plans for Sunday into Monday, you should adjust accordingly.

Stay tuned to updates on this Snowstorm Watch page, as well as updates from our blog and text forecasts. As always, refer to your local National Weather Service for official forecasts and safety information. 

A Snowstorm Watch means that forecasters expect the potential for 6 or more inches of snow to accumulate during the watch active time period within the watch area. This snow could cause severe travel difficulties, delays, or stoppages. It may be dangerous to travel during the watch time period. Please prepare for slippery and snowy roads and keep alert for updates on the situation.


JH