The Snow Before The Storm (Blizzard)

This is the port authority parking lot at 8:30.

We are all lined up for a blizzard today. Our weather casters have repeatedly warned us that this morning's snowfall should NOT be confused with the coming afternoon blizzard.
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So I have a question, if someone can answer in the comments.  Have weather forecasts become much MUCH better in the last few years since I have moved to New York (say 7 years) - or is it just easier to predict weather back east?
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Because in California, granted there wasn't much weather, but it was more general times (over the next few days) and more general temperatures (mid to high 70s).  In New York they give like when the weather moves in to the hour and temperatures within a degree or two.
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And I wonder if it is easier to project weather patterns over land than over the ocean - hence the difference? Or if weather forecasting has just gotten a lot better,