The cold and dry weather on Monday will be the calm before the storm, as a significant storm system crosses through the Central United States. This storm will then redevelop just south of our area, setting the stage for snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain to impact the area. Snowstorm Warnings and Winter Storm Advisories have been issued for Tuesday through Wednesday. Snow should overspread the region tonight, and may change to sleet from southwest to northeast with time. Accumulations are expected to be light (1-3 inches in general, with some isolated higher amounts), but will impact the morning commute. Heavier precipitation is expected by Tuesday night into Wednesday, in the form of sleet and freezing rain. A somewhat quick change to rain should occur in the city and along the coast, but inland areas will see a prolonged period of sleet and freezing rain, leading to extremely hazardous conditions through Wednesday afternoon. Total storm snow and sleet accumulations are expected to range from 1-3 or 2-4 inches in the city, to 4-8 inches further inland, with some areas receiving upwards of .15" of ice accretion as well. The precipitation is forecast to end by Wednesday evening. Please stay tuned for further information throughout the evening and be sure to follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for constant updates. Featured image: Latest water vapor satellite loop showing the storm developing across the Central United States. 

Tonight (Monday Night): Increasing clouds, with a chance of snow after midnight. Overnight low near 23. Northeast winds 5 to 10 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 50%. 


Tuesday: Snow and sleet. High near 32. East wind 3 to 6 miles per hour. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Need more? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the upcoming week, 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. 4:46pm January 31st, 2010.