Areas closer to the coast will see mostly rain. Locations circled inside the yellow marker are where there is the greatest uncertainty surrounding projected totals.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

The National Weather Service has just released initial projected snowfall totals for a new coastal storm set to hit the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tristate area, with the first accumulating snow of the season expected for many spots.

A coastal low will move through the region Monday night, Dec. 1, into Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 2, bringing a mix of rain and snow. 

The highest snow totals are likely across far northern parts of the Lower Hudson Valley and interior Connecticut, while areas closer to the coast will see mostly rain, the National Weather Service in New York said on Saturday, Nov. 29.

According to the latest official forecast, 3 to 5 inches of snow are possible across Orange County, Putnam County, and western Passaic County. Middletown and West Milford are among the spots that could see close to 5 inches. 

For most of Connecticut, the rest of New Jersey, and the Lower Hudson Valley, a few tenths of an inch up to 2 inches are possible. 

The upper end of that range is expected in far interior southwest Connecticut. The National Weather Service noted, “The greatest uncertainty is in this area with snow transitioning to rain.”

The National Weather Service forecast for the snow.

The National Weather Service forecast for the snow.

National Weather Service

New York City, White Plains, and Paramus are forecast to see less than 1 inch, with mainly rain expected for the coast and on Long Island. 

Periods of snow are possible early Tuesday, but any accumulation will be minor. Additional light snow could fall Tuesday night, mainly in eastern Connecticut.

The National Weather Service said, “Uncertainty still remains with exact track of the coastal low.” A worst-case scenario could bring 3 to 5 inches of snow farther south, including coastal Connecticut and New York City, and even 6 inches or more across the interior if the storm shifts. A warmer track would mean mostly rain for much of the area.

Travel could be hazardous Tuesday morning, with slippery roads and poor visibility expected, especially north and west of the city. Gusty winds and minor coastal flooding are also possible.

Forecasters urge residents to stay updated as the forecast could shift, noting that by 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30 "or sooner should there be significant changes in the forecast,” the weather service said.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.