Winter Storm Warning In Effect As Wet Snow Falls Across Tri-State Area

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of the Tri-State Area.

The warning is in effect from 5 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday and includes New York City, Southern Connecticut, Northeast New Jersey, as well as Long Island and most of the Lower Hudson Valley.

Heavy snow was possible for parts of the area, with accumulations between four to six inches expected.

The NWS said the wintry blast could make for hazardous travel conditions. If you must travel, officials suggested keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

Shortly after 5 p.m., snow started coming down in Huntington on Long Island. Additional salt and sand spreaders were getting ready to hit the roads.

"Three to five, four to seven – it keeps changing – it may end up one to three. The last time we were expecting six inches, we got over a foot," said Kevin O'Relli, of the Huntington Highway Department.

Officials thanked Mother Nature's timing -- a Saturday night into Sunday morning storm means no morning commute or school buses to worry about.

"This snowstorm won't be as bad as some of the other ones we had to deal with, but we still have to be sure that we take care of the roads properly and safely," O'Relli said. 

Safety was on the minds of many as they carried on with their to-do lists, like gassing up and grocery shopping, CBS2's Erin Logan reported.

"It's starting to pick up now, but I didn't find anything unusual," said Deirdre Prudente, of Dix Hills. "We're going forward with plans."

"I might've come tomorrow instead of tonight, and I figured let me come before the snow gets really bad," Aileen Persich, of Commack, said.

"I was due for the food shopping. I'm not worried about the snow, I've been through it before. It's been a pretty mild winter so far," said Paul Masrandrea, of Dix Hills. "It'll be 40 degrees tomorrow, I'm not concerned -- even though my plow guy will probably come and charge me $50."

"It's not that bad right now. I was lucky -- I still had a few things to pick up, so and I wanted to get out before it got too crazy," Marcus Harris, of Huntington, said.

Shortly after 8 p.m., the wet snow started to stick and accumulate. But drivers still seemed to be going about their Saturday night plans.

"The streets are a little slippery. But I have to say, the people that are driving are being very kind, giving you a chance to get in front, which is good for New York," said Patricia Cespedes.

Safe driving in storms is, of course, crucial, but town officials were hoping to see fewer cars on the roads.

"Do not park on the streets, so the plows and then sanders can get through and everything can be cleaned up as quick as possible," Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said.  

Wet snow was also falling in parts of northern New Jersey. As CBS2's Lisa Rozner reported, the wintry mix felt more like rain but was sticking in some parts.

"They said like 5 p.m. and I'm like, it started exactly 5 p.m.," Wayne resident Debbie Malamed said.

People rushed inside the Home Depot off Route 46 to prepare.

"Have shovel and everything. I just don't have the salt," said Tia Hedon, of Paterson.

With a little over a month of winter left, it was slim pickings. There was a small pile of salt bags, around a dozen ice scrapers and the store only had one kind of shovel.

"At home we have a shovel," Matthew Czerwinski, of Fairfield, said. "Maybe two, I think."

Cedar Grove resident David Calizaya picked up some ice melting pellets.

"You put them on the pavement or the driveway, and it melts the snow," he said.

Within an hour, the fast-falling snow created a picturesque scene at a park in Rutherford. Some restaurants on Park Avenue said there were cancellations, but one group traveled about 40 minutes from Old Bridge to eat there.

"I wish it wasn't snowing, because I'm out. But hey, as long as it doesn't ice up, we're good," said Marisol Martinez.

Others like Glen DeMarco decided to take food to-go.

"Yeah we're not going out, we're getting straight home," he said.

People walking to the PATH train in Hoboken had the same concern.

"Right now, it's just kind of a nuisance," Chris Nolan said.

"I was a little worried about slipping, but it seems to not be sticking. So I think it's just very pretty watching it come down right now," added Liz Lash.

The shovels came out just after dinner time on Washington Street. A team of two near First Street was seen moving the heavy snow fast to keep up.

"It's just really slippery everywhere you go," Sarah Becker said. "You have to walk really slowly. I almost slipped a few times actually. So it's really hard to walk at this point."

Staten Island resident Ellen Maruggi said the storm forced her to cancel her plans.

"We were going to walk around a little bit, but then this started happening," she said.

Meanwhile Konstantyn Goldin was getting out of the snow and prepping for warmer temperatures.

"Just staying in and packing for Florida, so I'm happy," he said.

For those heading to area airports, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recommended that people with individual carriers for the most up to date flight status information.

A winter weather advisory was also issued for Orange and Putnam Counties.

To check the latest forecast, click here.