Blizzard watch issued for parts of New York, New England

March 12 (UPI) — The National Weather Service issued a blizzard watch from New York City up to Boston on Sunday ahead of a nor’easter storm.

Strong winds and heavy snow are forecast to hit New York state and New England on Monday and Tuesday, the NWS said. The blizzard watch was issued for New York City, Long Island, southern Connecticut, southern Rhode Island and parts of eastern Massachusetts, including Boston.

The agency warned that the New York metro area could receive from 12 inches to 18 inches of snow.

The NWS said strong winds gusting 40-50 mph might cause blizzard conditions along portions of coastal New England. Boston is expected to receive up to 16 inches of snow by Wednesday.

The storm would cause power outages and disrupt travel, forecasters warn.

“We have two low-pressure systems essentially coming together to create a potentially significant nor’easter,” CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar said. “The first low begins in the Midwest and progresses east to the Mid-Atlantic region. The second low begins off the coast of Florida and moves north along the east coast and meets up with the first low around Washington, D.C.”

Snowfalls in the Northeast have been normal this year, according to the NWS. Through March 9, New York has received 23.4 inches at LaGuardia Airport this year, compared with the normal 23.1. In Boston, 36.4 inches had fallen compared with the normal 35.8.