Last weekend's flurries could prove a preview of things to come, as Storm Team 4 says it is tracking what could be the tri-state's first major snowstorm of the winter.
The news comes as a bitter cold continued its assault on the tri-state Tuesday, with temperatures stuck at or below freezing, and wind chills in the single digits.
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In New York City, Mayor de Blasio has issued a code blue warning, urging New Yorkers to call 911 or 311 if they see anyone at risk, especially those living on the street.
A wind advisory was in effect Tuesday for Ulster County, where wind gusts were expected to make the frigid conditions especially brutal. Areas to the west and northwest of the city could see winds of more than 35 mph.
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High temperatures should be up to the mid 30s on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and skies should be partly sunny.
Then things get interesting, Storm Team 4 says. A wintry storm will likely hold off until after dark on Friday, and most computer models show a significant storm up the east coast late Friday night and all day Saturday.
While it's too early to say for sure, the wintry storm has potential to dump significant snowfall on New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and the Hudson Valley, according to Storm Team 4. If the storm reaches its full potential, it could dump more than 6 inches.
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Local
Fueled by offshore moisture, the system could slide over the northeast by Friday night, slowly coursing its way to the north before moving out Sunday morning, Storm Team 4 says.
Precipitation could start out as cold rain and sleet before switching over to snow. Any potential snow would likely stick to most surfaces thanks to several days of temperatures at or below the freezing mark.
If snow does fall this weekend, it'll likely be the most powder the region has seen this winter. Light snow showers on Sunday left a dusting atop cars and trash cans in New York City, but snowfall has otherwise been sparse this season.
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Authorities are also reminding the public never to use a gas stove to heat their homes, and to never use a kerosene or propane space heater, charcoal or gas grill, or generator indoors or near the home.
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