Another coastal storm will develop Tuesday Night into Wednesday, and it will allow for the development of widespread precipitation throughout the area. Warm air will begin working into the area, initially in the mid levels of the atmosphere, and then towards the surface. This will help change precipitation from snow, to sleet, and then rain with time. The transition will take longer to occur across the interior and further away from the city--where more noticeable accumulations of snow and sleet may occur. Snow should overspread the region tonight from south to north--and will continue into the early morning. A few inches of snow could accumulate across all areas by the morning commute. The transition will already be underway by that time, with the city and immediate suburbs changing from snow to sleet and then rain before noon. Areas further to the north and west will remain sleet and potentially freezing rain for a few more hours before rain becomes the dominant precipitation type. As a result, we have issued Snowstorm Warnings far north and west..and Winter Storm Advisories just outside the city. Featured image: Satellite loop from 6:30pm Monday January 17th, 2011 showing the development of the storm system.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with snow developing from south to north overnight. The snow should begin to transition to sleet and rain by the early morning hours. Total overnight accumulations of 1 to 2 inches across most areas. Low near 26. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with snow likely, transitioning to sleet and rain from south to north. Accumulations of an inch or two in the city, 1 to 3 inches just inland, and 3 to 6 inches far north and west..with sleet and ice accumulations there as well. High near 38. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Need more? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the  week ahead, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Article by John Homenuk. 6:34pm January 17th, 2011