The monster winter storm that New York City and the Tri-State Area have been bracing for is here, as heavy snow and sleet develop Sunday.

Snow is falling across the Tri-State area on Sunday, and observations from the NWS are showing totals so far across NYC, Long Island, NJ and Connecticut.

A 2,000-mile winter storm was impacting New York City and a swath of the U.S. on Sunday, with up to a foot of snow possible in the Tri-State area.

What to Know Preliminary forecasts show 8-12 inches of snow can be expected for much of the tri-state area, including New York City, the Hudson Valley, nearly all of New Jersey and into Connecticut; areas along the coast may see slightly lower totals,

This National Weather Service graphic shows there is a 60% to 70% probability that the North Shore will receive at least eight inches of snow and a 50% to 60% probability that the South Shore will receive at least 8 inches of snow from the snowstorm set to begin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (National Weather Service)

A winter storm watch has been issued for Onondaga County, with heavy snow beginning Sunday and continuing through Monday evening.

The latest forecast puts Central Park at 12 inches of snow, and that’s still the highest snowfall seen there in several years. The last time New York’s weather station in the park saw more than a foot of snow from a single storm was in 2021.

"Winds will pick up in the afternoon and evening, especially near the coast and could create near white-out conditions/near blizzard conditions with winds gusting 30 to 40 mph at times."

Streets are salted, plows are set, grocery store shelves have been (mostly) emptied. New York City and the surrounding areas are ready to deal with what may be the biggest snow storm in years. States of emergency declared for New York and New Jersey on Friday,

While all New York City public school buildings will be closed, instruction will continue remotely only for students scheduled to attend school on Monday.

NYC Public Schools will close buildings Monday, Jan. 26, with classes moving fully remote for students scheduled to attend.

Residents are feeling the cold weather, but there will be a slight break Thursday. All eyes are on the weekend with the possibility of a winter storm.