It looked like the real thing, but maybe they got it wrong. The National Weather Service downgraded its winter storm watch for today to a simple advisory. Snowfall prediction fell to 3 to 5 inches, and even that’s looking iffy.
This weather situation is developing quickly and is subject to change. We’ll keep an eye on it and update.
UPDATE, THURSDAY, FEB. 18TH: Heavy snow predictions were dropped NWS guidance downgraded this event to a “Winter Weather Watch.” It may be slippery, and you will need to be cautious. But closings, like those enacted by RIOC, are unlikely in most places. The eager to stay home state agency also rushed parking restrictions, which are now in force.
Expect wintery conditions tonight and Friday with a wintry mix of ice and rain possible as Friday introduces a gradual warming trend.
End of Update
UPDATE, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17TH: Although there will be some flurries before dawn on Thursday, the main force of the storm moves in during the day. With temperatures hanging around the upper 20s, accumulations of 3 to 5 inches expected during the day with another 1 to 5 in the evening before it tapers off.
On the plus side, high winds will not accompany the storm, making it a great day for snowmen and sledding.
Also, a warming trend seeps in by Friday. Highs for the next ten days will be above freezing and in the 40s consistently starting Monday.
Looking ahead: Expect RIOC to invoke parking restrictions sometime today.

Also recently from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
- Your Pandemic Anniversary: What ‘a Year Later’ Means for These New YorkersRachel Holliday Smith, THE CITY This article was originally publishedon Mar 7 at 8:00pm ESTby THE CITY The reality of the coronavirus crisis sank in at very different moments for many across the city. Here are six New Yorkers’ recollections of when the pandemic began for them. It’s the disaster without a date. You could
- Facing new allegations, Cuomo insists again he won’t resign; top Senate Democrat calls for him to step downBy Steve Bittenbender | The Center Square contributor / Mar 7, 2021 (The Center Square) – Despite two more women coming forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior this weekend, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday reiterated that he would not resign and pledged to not be “distracted” by the scandals dogging his administration. “We
- New York’s case against Susan Rosenthal begins falling apart like a muffin in the monkey house…If you’re into dairy, the case against Susan Rosenthal, launched defensively by the state, is more holes than cheese. Swiss cheese, that is. A sandcastle that doesn’t need a wave to knock it over. davidstone1313 See author's posts
- Stimulus bill in U.S. Senate poised to drive more than $23.5 billion to New York state, local governmentsBy Steve Bittenbender | The Center Square contributor / March 5th, 2021 (The Center) – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged on Thursday that the body will vote on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus plan in the coming days, passage of which would send tens of billions of dollars in support to his home state
- Cuomo’s Office Flouted Its Own Sexual Harassment Investigation Rules, Rep for Governor’s Accuser ChargesJosefa Velasquez, THE CITY This article was originally published on Mar 4 at 8:28pm EST by THE CITY State officials are supposed to bring allegations to the office empowered by Cuomo to deal with complaints in the wake of the #MeToo movement. But Cuomo accuser Charlotte Bennett’s lawyer says his office violated “legal requirements.” Gov.