A major snowstorm is expected to hit New York City, Long Island, southern Westchester, southern Fairfield, southern New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard watch due to arrive late Monday into Tuesday. Other states included in this watch include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, upstate New York and New England. The winter storm is expected to bring strong gusty winds, with snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches.
Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s.
Snow and strong winds could lead to Whiteout Conditions with poor visibility as far as a quarter mile.
Damaging winds up to 50 mph are expected across eastern Long Island and Connecticut.
Winds will pull ocean water toward the coast and create rough surf from Virginia to Maine – leading to tides 1-2 feet above normal. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are also a concern.
This was the nation's second warmest February since climate tracking began in 1895. This storm comes after a mild winter and a particularly warm February that brought early buds on trees, shrubs, and flowers, but cold temperatures could take a devastating toll on the buds, which are on the brink of flowering.
A Strong coastal storm may become a nor'easter.
Meteorologists say for this storm to become a nor'easter several things would have to happen at the same time.
Not sure those factors will occur, but for now It looks like it's going to be a big one. Some other models are indicating a more northward track, up the coast which would carry warmer air into our region so the snow would change to rain for several hours lessening the accumulations.
According to several weather agencies, it is not that uncommon to get a storm of this magnitude in March, Accuweather senior meteorologist Tony Zartman said major snowstorms usually happen in March.
In contrast, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah are forecast to set record-breaking heat this week where temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit in some places.
