Winter Storm Watch Issued for Tri-State Area

Heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel expected from Sunday into Monday

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:40pm

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A powerful coastal storm is expected to bring widespread impacts to the Tri-State area from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, with heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel likely. The heaviest snow is predicted to arrive Sunday night through early Monday, with periods of intense snowfall, reduced visibility, and wind gusts over 40 mph along the coast.

Why it matters

The impending winter storm poses significant risks to public safety and infrastructure across the region, with the potential for power outages, dangerous driving conditions, and coastal flooding in vulnerable areas. Preparation and response efforts by local authorities and utility providers will be critical to mitigating the storm's impact on residents.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Tri-State area, with forecasters predicting 6 inches or more of snowfall in New York City. PSEG Long Island is preparing for the storm, warning of potential power outages from snow accumulation and strong winds that could reach 55 mph on the East End. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced pre-snow operations, including deploying over 5,000 sanitation workers to clear streets, and activating the city's Code Blue outreach program to assist vulnerable residents.

  • The storm is expected to impact the region from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
  • The heaviest snow is predicted to arrive Sunday night and continue into early Monday.
  • Peak wind gusts of over 40 mph along the coast are expected during the height of the storm.

The players

PSEG Long Island

The electric utility provider for Long Island and the Rockaways, preparing for potential power outages and restoration efforts during the storm.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who has announced pre-snow operations and the activation of the city's Code Blue outreach program to assist vulnerable residents.

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What they’re saying

“PSEG Long Island is the most reliable overhead electric service provider in New York State, and we are prepared to respond to any outages the storm may bring.”

— Michael Sullivan, Vice President of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island (abc7ny.com)

“We continue to monitor this weather system and have performed system and logistic checks to ensure any customers who may be affected will have their power restored safely and as quickly as possible.”

— Michael Sullivan, Vice President of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updated forecasts and warnings as the system approaches the region. Local authorities and utility providers will remain on high alert and ready to respond to any impacts from the storm.

The takeaway

The impending winter storm highlights the importance of proactive preparation and coordinated response efforts by local governments, utility providers, and emergency services to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the face of severe weather events.