The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch on Friday for New York and New Jersey as a significant snowstorm approaches the region this weekend.

The agency announced that the watch will remain in place from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon.

Forecasters expect widespread heavy snowfall across the tri-state, with reduced visibility and dangerous travel conditions. Wet, heavy snow combined with strong winds may also lead to fallen tree limbs.

Accumulations between 3 and 10 inches are projected for parts of New York City as well as Westchester, Putnam and Nassau counties, northeastern New Jersey and portions of Connecticut.

Areas farther east, particularly Suffolk County, could receive 10 to 13 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service, prompting warnings of potentially blizzard-like conditions.

The New York City Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to stay off the roads Sunday and Monday morning unless absolutely necessary, recommending mass transit as an alternative. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says crews are preparing as officials continue to monitor the storm closely.

A winter storm watch is in effect for New York and New Jersey from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2026, as the system moves toward the region.