Early Spring Snowstorm Prompts Winter Weather Advisories For Monday

UPDATED 03/25/13 12:16 a.m.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It may technically be spring, but yet another snowstorm was expected to hit Monday, prompting a winter weather advisory for New York City, Long Island and much of New Jersey.

CBS 2 Meteorologist Elise Finch reported just after midnight Monday that the snow will arrive in first in New Jersey during the mid-morning hours, followed by New York City, Long Island, and parts of the Hudson Valley.

Meteorologists were watching the rain-snow line early Monday, as it was not clear exactly where the line would settle.

Severe accumulations were not expected, with just 1 to 2 inches of slushy snow for the city, but 3 to 6 inches for areas to the south and west – including parts of New Jersey and areas of eastern Long Island.

Meanwhile, winds at a sustained speed of 10 to 20 mph and gusting to speeds higher than 30 mph will make for a miserable day.

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The winter weather advisory begins at 6 a.m. Monday, and continues through midnight Monday night.

For counties in central and southern New Jersey, a winter storm warning was to begin at 2 a.m. Monday and continue until midnight Monday night.

The storm system which was moving in from the west during the day Sunday, will bring the gusty winds as it strengthens off the coast, Murdock reported.

Some areas of central and southern New Jersey can expect 3 to 5 inches of snow, as the snow will continue through the day in those areas. Counties north of the New York Metro area can only expect a dusting.

The snow that falls Monday will be slushy and messy in consistency, CBS 2 Meteorologist Vanessa Murdock reported.

Morris County, N.J., Office of Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Paul said the threat of wet, heavy snow has sparked concerns about downed wires and tree limbs.

“We interacted earlier with Jersey Central Power & Light, and they are obviously geared up as well,” Paul said. “With a wet, heavier snow, you can see weight bearing down on trees, and obviously, electrical lines and those kinds of things. We caution the public, just be vigilant about what they’re doing; make sure they’re prepared for the roads; make sure their vehicles are appropriately equipped, and they appropriately clear their windshields so they have full visibility and those kind of things.”

But the roads, Paul told 1010 WINS’ Gary Baumgarten, shouldn’t be too bad, as the ambient temperatures are expected to stay above freezing.

With the snowstorm advancing, NJ TRANSIT is offering system wide cross-honoring throughout the day Monday, allowing NJ TRANSIT customers to reach their final ticketed destinations through alternate means.

NJ TRANSIT is also placing locomotives strategically in case the weather disables any trains. Salt, snow plows and salt spreaders are also at the ready.

The system is expected to move out by 10 p.m. The forecast high for Monday is 42 degrees, Murdock reported.

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