NYC Weather: ‘Major Storm’ Threatens Pre-Christmas Travel

NEW YORK CITY — A massive winter storm threatens to pull a Grinch on New Yorkers’ travel plans right before Christmas, forecasters warn.

Widespread travel delays are likely Thursday and Friday as the storm system inundates several states, including New York, with snow and rain buffeted by strong winds, according to an AccuWeather report.

Travel conditions in New York will be “poor,” especially on Friday, AccuWeather projected.

"At this time, there is every indication to believe that a major storm will unfold and track from somewhere over the South Central states to the Northeast," said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s senior meteorologist.

The storm will unfold just days before Christmas, a holiday for which more than 12 million people from New York and nearby states are expected to travel this year, according to AAA.

New York City so far appears poised to avoid heavy snow, but at least some snow or a wintry mix remain “on the table,” according to the AccuWeather report.

The city likely will see stormy and very windy conditions Friday, AccuWeather reported.

Thursday carries a 60 percent chance of rain during the day, and 90 percent that night, forecasters with the National Weather Service said.

Friday also carries a 90 percent chance of rain, with potential snow showers hitting at 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Read the AccuWeather report here.

Here’s the complete National Weather Service forecast.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 25 and 35. West wind 11 to 13 mph.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 25 and 35. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 6 mph.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Thursday
Rain likely after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night
Rain. Low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday
Rain. High near 56. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night
Rain showers before 11pm, then a chance of snow showers between 11pm and 2am. Low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 19.

Christmas Day
Sunny, with a high near 30.