Forecast snowfall totals lighten as a powerful winter storm whips through the New York City area

May just dodge a blow from mother nature.A powerful winter storm that was expected to dump almost half a foot of snow across the Big Apple Saturday is now forecasted to bring just 2 to 4 inches of flurries before switching to rain by midnight.The five boroughs could see less snow accumulation if the winter storm blowing in from the Midwest transitions to a wintry mix of sleet and rain as midnight approaches, according to FOX Weather Meteorologist Cody Braud.“NYC will be right on the dividing line between all snow, a wintry mix and all rain,” Braud told The Post.“At some point tonight this line will move north of the city ending the snow.”The snow, which began late Saturday evening in Manhattan, coated Times Square in a winter wonderland that attracted the likes of children and adults who were building snowmen, tossing snow balls, taking pictures and embracing the chilly weather.

Beyond the city, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m.Sunday further north, in White Plains and the Hudson Valley, where the area will be slammed with 5 to 8 inches of powder and less than one-tenth of an inch of ice.“Further north in Westchester County, they will have a longer duration of snow,” Braud said. Southern Connecticut and parts of New Jersey could also see 5 to 7 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. Up to five inches of snow are forecasted in Long Island and Northeastern New Jersey. Sunny skies with highs in around 40 degrees are expected Sunday by midday in the city, but forecasters warn the roads and sidewalks could refreeze later in the evening as people head out to bars and parties to watch the Super Bowl. Possible icy conditions will accompany freezing highs and lows bottoming out at 25 degrees on Monday, with increasing clouds. By Tuesday, more winter snow storms could return throughout the Northeast and continue through Thursday....