The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning Saturday night for New York as a rapidly intensifying storm bore down on the city, packing strong wind gusts, thunder - and possibly up to 16 inches of snow Sunday and into Monday.
"A nightmare awaits holiday travelers," warned Kristina Pydynowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. "Travel will become nearly impossible from Philadelphia northward as the all-out blizzard ensues."
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the city starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, but the heavy snow isn't expected to start until later in the afternoon. How much snow will fall depends on the track of the wicked nor'easter - the biggest storm of the season - that was strengthening rapidly as it surged up the coast.
AccuWeather said the city lies in a band that could see 11 inches of snow, with more than a foot falling in the northern suburbs. The National Weather Service said 11 to 16 inches might accumulate in the city.
Strong wind gusts accompanying the slow-moving storm should blow the snow into even deeper drifts. The weather service also warned of lightning and thunder rumbling amid the falling flakes.
"Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions," said the bulletin from the weather service. "Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle."
City dwellers interviewed Saturday were skeptical or excited, but not apprehensive.
"We're New Yorkers. We're resilient. I got four pairs of boots," said Mary Christiani, 57, outside the C-Town Supermarket at 116th St. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
"I thank God for any type of weather," she said. "I thank God to be alive."
Shante Causer, 26, wasn't buying the dire forecast, which worsened by the hour Saturday. "We didn't have a white Christmas Eve," she said. "We didn't have a white Christmas. And I don't think we'll have a white day after Christmas."
But some New Yorkers figured it was better to be safe than sorry.
"I bought the salt and everything," said Sammy Loprede, a 48-year-old construction worker from Morris Park, the Bronx. "I hope it passes."
James Rector, 38, also of Morris Park, was loading up on staples at SMJ Deli. "I'm trying to do a small sample of what I need now so I don't have to take the initiative tomorrow," he said, checking off tuna, cold cuts, bread, butter and jelly.
Delta Air Lines preemptively canceled 500 Christmas Day flights systemwide to get ahead of the storm. More airline cancellations are expected Sunday. Continental Airlines canceled 250 of Sunday's departures from Newark Airport and United Airlines Saturday night dropped 61 departures from Newark, LaGuardia and JFK airports.
Delta, Continental, United, American and AirTran said they would waive penalties for travelers who need to reschedule trips this weekend.
"Mother Nature is going to be a big factor," said AAA spokesman Lon Anderson. "She's calling the shots this holiday season."
It wasn't all grim. The storm dumped a Christmas morning dusting on parts of the South that rarely see snow - to the squealing delight of children across Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee.
"A nightmare awaits holiday travelers," warned Kristina Pydynowski, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. "Travel will become nearly impossible from Philadelphia northward as the all-out blizzard ensues."
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the city starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, but the heavy snow isn't expected to start until later in the afternoon. How much snow will fall depends on the track of the wicked nor'easter - the biggest storm of the season - that was strengthening rapidly as it surged up the coast.
AccuWeather said the city lies in a band that could see 11 inches of snow, with more than a foot falling in the northern suburbs. The National Weather Service said 11 to 16 inches might accumulate in the city.
Strong wind gusts accompanying the slow-moving storm should blow the snow into even deeper drifts. The weather service also warned of lightning and thunder rumbling amid the falling flakes.
"Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions," said the bulletin from the weather service. "Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle."
City dwellers interviewed Saturday were skeptical or excited, but not apprehensive.
"We're New Yorkers. We're resilient. I got four pairs of boots," said Mary Christiani, 57, outside the C-Town Supermarket at 116th St. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
"I thank God for any type of weather," she said. "I thank God to be alive."
Shante Causer, 26, wasn't buying the dire forecast, which worsened by the hour Saturday. "We didn't have a white Christmas Eve," she said. "We didn't have a white Christmas. And I don't think we'll have a white day after Christmas."
But some New Yorkers figured it was better to be safe than sorry.
"I bought the salt and everything," said Sammy Loprede, a 48-year-old construction worker from Morris Park, the Bronx. "I hope it passes."
James Rector, 38, also of Morris Park, was loading up on staples at SMJ Deli. "I'm trying to do a small sample of what I need now so I don't have to take the initiative tomorrow," he said, checking off tuna, cold cuts, bread, butter and jelly.
Delta Air Lines preemptively canceled 500 Christmas Day flights systemwide to get ahead of the storm. More airline cancellations are expected Sunday. Continental Airlines canceled 250 of Sunday's departures from Newark Airport and United Airlines Saturday night dropped 61 departures from Newark, LaGuardia and JFK airports.
Delta, Continental, United, American and AirTran said they would waive penalties for travelers who need to reschedule trips this weekend.
"Mother Nature is going to be a big factor," said AAA spokesman Lon Anderson. "She's calling the shots this holiday season."
It wasn't all grim. The storm dumped a Christmas morning dusting on parts of the South that rarely see snow - to the squealing delight of children across Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee.
