Winter Storm Advisories Upgraded To Warnings For Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — With a major winter storm now expected to dump heavy snow directly on the Hudson Valley Wednesday night, the National Weather Service upgraded its advisories to "warning" status Tuesday afternoon.

The NWS predicts total snow accumulations of 12 to 16 inches for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties. Winds are expected to gust as high as 45 mph. The combination of winds and heavy wet snow could bring down scattered to numerous tree branches and cause power outages.

Heavy snow is also expected in Dutchess and Ulster counties, and the weather service predicts snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

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To talk about the updates, Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather appeared on WRWD radio Tuesday afternoon.

"We expect a considerable amount of snow," he told the listening audience. While the storm's exact track is still uncertain, "It's a pretty safe bet that everywhere no matter where you are has the potential to get over a foot of snow," he said. "Conditions are likely to go downhill very fast."

The storm will move in from southwest to northeast starting around 2 p.m. Wednesday, forecasters said.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, the NWS said.

It's also going to get very cold overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with the wind chill factor down into the single digits by 7 a.m.

County officials are urging residents to prepare.

County Executive MaryEllen Odell urged Putnam residents to review emergency plans.

"Make sure you have adequate amounts of food, water and non-perishable foods; a supply of essential medications; baby supplies including formula and diapers, a battery-powered radio; flashlights; spare batteries and charged cell phones," she said in a news release. "Prepare in advance to get spare fuel for snow blowers and generators (always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations when using power equipment and never operate a generator in an enclosed space; fuel up your vehicles. Remember to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members."

Metro-North Railroad urges customers to avoid traveling unless necessary. For those who must travel, the MTA suggests checking new.mta.info for the latest service updates before traveling, and to use extreme caution while navigating the system, especially on outdoor platforms and stairs.

The biggest potential for downed tree limbs and power lines is in southern Westchester, where the snow will be heavy and wetter and strong winds will blow 25-35 mph with gusts to near 55 mph, the National Weather Service said. Coastal flooding is also possible.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, the NWS said.

It's also going to get very cold overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with the wind chill factor down into the single digits by 7 a.m.