Bomb Cyclone Headed for NYC, Bringing More Snow and Bitter Cold

The powerful winter storm could dump up to 6 inches of snow and create dangerous wind chills in the Northeast.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A 'bomb cyclone' winter storm is forecast to hit the New York City area on Saturday night and continue through Sunday, bringing additional snowfall on top of the more than a foot that fell earlier this week. The storm is expected to bring strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures, with wind chills potentially reaching below zero degrees. While conditions are not expected to be as severe as last weekend's Winter Storm Fern, the storm could still create hazardous travel conditions, especially on Long Island.

Why it matters

Bomb cyclones are intense winter storms that rapidly intensify and can bring dangerous amounts of snow, wind, and cold. After the region was already hit hard by a major snowstorm earlier this week, this additional blast of winter weather could strain resources, disrupt transportation, and pose risks to public safety.

The details

The bomb cyclone is forecast to hit the New York City area on Saturday night and continue through Sunday. It could drop up to 3 inches of additional snow on the city, on top of the more than a foot that fell earlier this week. Strong winds are expected to accompany the storm, with wind chills potentially reaching into the single digits or even below zero degrees. While conditions are not expected to be as severe as last weekend's Winter Storm Fern, the storm could still create hazardous travel conditions, especially on Long Island where up to 6 inches of snow could fall and blizzard conditions are possible.

  • The storm is expected to hit the New York City area on Saturday night (January 28, 2026).
  • The storm is forecast to continue through Sunday (January 29, 2026).

The players

AccuWeather

A weather forecasting company that provided predictions about the storm's impacts.

Winter Storm Fern

The major snowstorm that hit the Northeast last weekend, which was more severe than the upcoming bomb cyclone is expected to be.

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What they’re saying

“Regardless of the storm track, it will likely be a blustery day on Sunday, especially from the city on east and south.”

— Matt Benz, Senior Meteorologist (AccuWeather)

“Here in the City, snow can lead to slippery roads for Sunday. Unless there is a major shift in the storm track to the west, we don't expect travel conditions to be as dangerous as they were compared to last weekend here in the City.”

— Matt Benz, Senior Meteorologist (AccuWeather)

What’s next

The storm is expected to blow out by Sunday night, and while temperatures will remain frigid into next week, only a few flurries are forecast for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

This bomb cyclone is the latest in a series of intense winter storms to hit the Northeast, underscoring the need for residents and officials to be prepared for the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events driven by climate change.