A winter storm warning has been issued for the Hudson Valley, northern New Jersey, and Central New York, as a powerful system is expected to dump a foot of snow in some areas, hitting others with heavy rains that are likely to leave a messy commute on Tuesday morning. Citizens are advised to stay alert as school delays and cancellations could become an issue.
The National Weather Service has upgraded the forecast from a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins, and Southern Cayuga counties. The storm is now set to begin around 6 p.m. and it could have a snowfall of 1 to 2 inches an hour, with a snow accumulation of 1o to 16 inches and winds that could reach 40 mph.
Monday afternoon is likely to bring light rain, wind, and snow, but the roughest weather is expected by Tuesday morning, with various degrees of heaviness depending on the location and temperature.
For New York City, Long Island, and neighboring suburbs, with high temperatures expected in the mid-40s, precipitation that moves on Monday evening will likely start as heavy rain in the city. Caution is advised during the afternoon rush as rains could get intense at times.
The rainy afternoon and evening will transition into a snowy night as temperatures drop, however accumulation in the city is expected to be minor. However, the further up north we look, the more snow we’ll find. The Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey can expect significant amounts of wet snow and heavy gusts.
Citizens in the areas of Sullivan, Dutchess, and Ulster counties can expect an accumulation of a foot or more, and those in Westchester, Rockland, and Connecticut’s Fairfield County could see around 6 inches.
Citizens in those areas are advised to check the weather periodically for updates, as the intense winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down power lines and power posts, causing blackouts in the affected areas with possible flooding along the coast.
Although snow is expected to diminish by Wednesday morning, winds are still expected to stay strong. The weather service warns citizens who have to travel to bring extra food, water, and flashlights.
