Another Bomb Cyclone Could Slam NYC This Weekend — Here’s What Forecasters Are Saying

What’s Developing Over the Coast

The system currently organizing across the southern United States is expected to move toward the Mid-Atlantic before strengthening offshore. If atmospheric pressure drops quickly enough within a 24-hour window, the storm would qualify as a “bomb cyclone,” a meteorological term that describes rapid intensification rather than size or snowfall totals.

According to the National Weather Service, snow could begin in New York City as early as Sunday morning. As the system reaches the coast, it may strengthen Sunday night, which is when heavier snowfall bands would be most likely to develop. Whether that happens depends largely on how close the low-pressure center tracks to the shoreline.

How Much Snow Could NYC See

At this stage, most forecast guidance suggests a modest event for the city itself, with projections generally in the 1 to 3 inch range. However, that number could shift in either direction depending on the storm’s evolution. If the low remains slightly offshore, snowfall would likely stay on the lighter side. If it intensifies closer to the coast, localized totals could increase significantly, especially on Long Island and along parts of coastal New Jersey.

Meteorologists are emphasizing that model disagreement remains high. The American and European forecast models are not yet aligned on whether a secondary low develops near the coast, which would enhance snowfall rates Sunday night into early Monday. That uncertainty is the main reason totals remain fluid.

Wind, Visibility, and Travel Impacts

In addition to snowfall, forecasters are watching for gusty northeast winds that could reach 30 to 40 miles per hour if the storm strengthens offshore. While that doesn't necessarily indicate blizzard conditions for the city, it could reduce visibility during heavier bursts of snow and create slick conditions for the Monday morning commute.

If the storm intensifies closer to shore, New Yorkers could see:

• Snowfall rates briefly exceeding 1 inch per hour Sunday night

• Wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph

• Reduced visibility during heavier bands

• Slower Monday morning commute conditions

• Minor coastal flooding during high tide cycles

Coastal flooding is also being monitored during high tide cycles, particularly in low-lying waterfront neighborhoods. As with snowfall totals, the severity of these impacts hinges on how quickly and how close to shore the system intensifies.

What a “Bomb Cyclone” Actually Means

The phrase sounds dramatic, but it refers to a measurable drop in atmospheric pressure rather than a guarantee of extreme weather. When pressure falls rapidly, the storm’s circulation strengthens, which can enhance precipitation and wind. Sometimes that produces a high-impact nor’easter. Other times, the effects are more moderate and localized.

The key takeaway is that intensification does not automatically equal record snowfall. The structure and track of the storm will determine how much snow falls in New York City.

What New Yorkers Should Do Now

This is a weekend to stay informed and flexible. Forecasters expect clearer guidance as the storm moves inland and additional data feeds into the models. In the meantime, residents should anticipate at least some snowfall beginning Sunday afternoon, even if totals ultimately land on the lighter end.

If you have early Monday travel plans, consider building in extra time or monitoring updates closely. City snow crews are well-practiced after several winter systems this season, but even a few inches combined with gusty winds can slow traffic and public transit.

For many in the Northeast, this would mark yet another snowy weekend in what has felt like a persistent winter pattern. Still, long-range indicators suggest this system is unlikely to rival January’s larger storm unless the track shifts significantly closer to the coast.

Forecast confidence should improve within the next 24 hours. Until then, the best approach is measured caution rather than alarm. Snow appears likely. How much snow remains the open question.

Frequently Answered Questions; Another Bomb Cyclone Could Slam NYC This Weekend

When will snow start in New York City?

Current projections indicate snow could begin Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, with the heaviest potential period Sunday night into early Monday.

How much snow is forecast for NYC?

Most guidance currently suggests 1 to 3 inches for the city, though higher totals are possible if the storm strengthens closer to the coast.

Could this become a major nor’easter?

It is possible but not the most likely scenario at this time. The storm’s coastal track will determine whether heavier snowfall bands develop.

Will this affect flights at major airports?

Moderate snowfall typically leads to delays rather than widespread cancellations. However, stronger winds or heavier snow bands could disrupt operations at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark if the storm intensifies.

When will forecasters know more?

Confidence should increase by late Friday into Saturday as additional atmospheric data improves model alignment.