Event Summary

A low pressure system rapidly intensified and moved north along the mid-Atlantic coast during Saturday December 30th. This produced a wide swath of heavy snow to the northwest of the storm track. Snowfall began between 5 and 7 AM across the area, and fell at intense rates right from the start. Snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour were common. There were also numerous reports of thunder and lightning accompanying the most intense snow bands. Winds also began to increase later Saturday morning, causing some blowing and drifting of snow, which reduced visibilities significantly, and created near blizzard conditions at times in some areas. As the low moved away, the precipitation tapered off across the area. Subfreezing temperatures and gusty winds lingered behind the storm system. Here are some specific snowfall totals from this storm system: Bronx County: 11 inches. New York County (Manhattan): 12 inches at Central Park. Kings County: 12.7 inches at Gravesend. Queens County: 10 inches at John F. Kennedy International Airport, to 13 inches at LaGuardia Airport and Middle Village. Richmond County: 12.5 inches at Grymes Hill.