Snow Estimates, Timing Revised For Winter Storm In Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued and snow accumulation estimates have been revised for the massive, fast-moving storm due to arrive early Saturday morning.

"It could be raining one hour and snowing hard the next," said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

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Rain will start from west to east, then change to snow, along with the refreezing of wet surfaces as temperatures will fall quickly by midday. Plan on slippery roads and difficult travel conditions all day, the National Weather Service warns.

• For western Ulster, a storm warning goes into effect at 1 a.m. Heavy snow is expected, with a total accumulation of 5 to 10 inches. Travel will be very difficult due to snow-covered roadways and low visibility. Gusty winds will contribute to blowing and drifting of snow.
• For Orange county, a storm warning goes into effect at 6 a.m. Total snow expected: 4-7 inches.
• For western Dutchess and eastern Ulster, an advisory goes into effect at 7 a.m. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches.
• An advisory for Rockland goes into effect at 8 a.m. while Putnam and Westchester's doesn't start till 9 a.m. In Putnam, Rockland, northern Westchester: Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Southern Westchester: snow expected, along with the refreezing of wet surfaces. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches.

Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour in the late morning into the afternoon on Saturday. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

This is a complex storm system.

"Several factors with this storm will make for unpredictable outcomes," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather, warning of the "boom or bust" scenarios all too common this winter.

Snowfall will be heaviest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they said. Banding of heavy snow due to intense rates of lift in the atmosphere, could result in localized snow totals that exceed the forecast in any area.

High winds, with gusts as high as 50 mph, are predicted.

Utility companies are preparing for power outages given the winds and wet snow, with overhead line crews and tree removal experts on call for storm duty Saturday.

Here's a look at the next 48 hours based on Putnam County: