New York City & Suburbs Brace For Another Blast Of February Snow

New York Daily News: MANHATTAN, NY – The second snowstorm of the month blew into New York City on Thursday, with snow and ice expected to create driving hazards across two days.

The National Weather Service expects the snow to continue into Friday morning, with as much as 8 inches expected in February’s second significant storm. The NWS forecast warned drivers of poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions by the time people start heading home from work Thursday.

Snowfall amounts could climb depending on the track and timing of the storm, and Friday morning commuters could face a light glaze of ice on local roadways as the wintry mix continues overnight.

“We know Mother Nature throws us curveballs sometimes,” said Mayor De Blasio at a Thursday morning briefing. “The number one message, the clearest message, the simplest message is stay off the roads, use mass transit, or stay home if you can.

According to de Blasio, the fresh blanket of snow will not lead to the temporary closing of COVID-19 vaccine and testing sites in the city. But there was some impact on New Yorkers intending to dine outdoors.

“What we are going to close down, just for today, is the roadway element of outdoor dining, not the sidewalk part,” said the mayor. “Indoor dining at 25% is open. Sidewalk dining is open.”

De Blasio said he was hopeful that outdoor dining on certain streets would resume Friday.

The heaviest snow is expected in the late afternoon Thursday, with a possible snowfall rate of one inch per hour, with a wintry weather warning in effect through 7 pm. Friday, the NWS warned.

The federal weather agency said up to 5 inches of snow was due by Thursday night, with more to come overnight into Friday.

The month started with two days of snow that dumped 17 inches on the city and more in its suburbs, leaving city residents to dig out their driveways and their snowbound cars.