AccuWeather’s Snow and Ice Forecasts Far Superior to All Other Known Sources for Northeast Winter Storm

Only AccuWeather provided the most accurate snow forecast, giving users the best information to prepare. 

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A significant winter storm brought snow and sleet across the Northeast on Feb. 8-9, 2025, including 1.5 to around 3 inches in New York City and an inch of sleet in parts of central Pennsylvania. 

In New York, AccuWeather was the only known source to correctly predict 1-3 inches of snow, while other sources, such as The Weather Channel, initially predicted far too much snow (5-8 inches) and then flip-flopped between 5-8 inches, 3-5 inches and 1-3 inches.

In central Pennsylvania, AccuWeather’s forecast of a coating to an inch of sleet was the most accurate of all known sources. It was also significantly more accurate than Apple Weather, which incorrectly predicted 8-9 inches of snow—far too much. 

• AccuWeather’s forecast of 1-3 inches for New York City was the most accurate and consistent of all known sources.  Other sources, such as The Weather Channel’s (TWC) weather.com, predicted too much snow and wildly flip-flopped between forecast snow totals.  

Only AccuWeather provided the most accurate snow forecast, giving users the best information to prepare. 

• Total Snowfall in midtown New York was 1.5 to around 3 inches. 

• Starting on Friday, 36 hours prior to snow, AccuWeather predicted 1-3 inches of snow for New York City and never changed it. 

• The Weather Channel predicted the following:

• On Thursday at 10 a.m.: 5-8 inches 

• On Friday at 10 a.m.: 3-5 inches 

• On Friday at 12:45 p.m.: 5-8 inches 

• On Friday at 2 p.m.: 3-5 inches 

• On Saturday at 4:25 p.m.: 1-3 inches with no mention of sleet or freezing rain, which also occurred in New York City as accurately forecast by AccuWeather. 

• The National Weather Service consistently predicted 4-6  inches of snow midtown – which was too much. 

• AccuWeather was the only known source to use specific language in forecasts provided on mobile apps and on AccuWeather.com that included the following:

• a winter storm is on the way this weekend; check AccuWeather often 

• deteriorating travel conditions at night; check AccuWeather often 

• slippery travel and low visibility; heavier snow north of the city 

• In Pennsylvania, AccuWeather was the most accurate of all known sources, using more descriptive wording to convey the impacts of the winter weather.

• As the winter storm was beginning, and three days in advance, AccuWeather correctly predicted “a coating to an inch” of snow and sleet for State College, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.

• About an inch of sleet fell in State College and nearby areas. 

• Other sources, such as Apple Weather, predicted a wildly inaccurate 8-9 inches of snow at the start of the storm. 

• The table below compares the Superior Accuracy™ of AccuWeather forecast to TWC from 4 p.m. Saturday, right as the storm began. This is representative of other locations across Pennsylvania.  

AccuWeather forecasts were clearly more detailed and accurate in communicating the sleet and its impact on travel. 

More than 100 times every year, AccuWeather has been documented as providing more accurate, more advanced notifications of significant and extreme weather events that impact businesses and threaten the health, welfare and lives of individuals. AccuWeather has proven to be the most accurate source of weather forecasts and warnings.  

These are additional examples of the many weather events in which AccuWeather provided superior forecasts and impact descriptions to people, communities, and businesses, helping them better prepare and stay safer.

Start being better prepared for snow and ice. Contact AccuWeather today to learn more about our Snow Warning Service.

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