Storm Track Shifts: 20 Inches Of Snow Possible In Mid-Hudson

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As a major winter snowstorm barrels down on the Hudson Valley, its track has shifted toward the north, its intensity has deepened, and its start time has delayed.

The National Weather Service has upgraded all its advisories to warnings.

Now, snow is not expected to start until late afternoon in the southeastern part of the Hudson Valley, gradually overspreading the region through the evening. The heaviest snowfall will be overnight. Forecasters now expect the heaviest snow Wednesday night could fall at rates of 2-4 inches per hour. Travel will be extremely hazardous — and gusty winds blowing snow will lead to white-out conditions at times.

Now it appears the brunt of the storm will be borne by the mid-Hudson Valley, where Hudson Valley Weather predicts the snowfall could be 16-24 inches, even higher in the Catskills. Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester counties could see 12-18 inches of snow, while southern Westchester could see 6-12 inches, possibly mixed with sleet.

Hudson Valley Weather's final forecasted accumulation for the mid-Hudson nearly doubled.

"The cause is the dramatic change in forecast track of the coastal low pressure system," they said. "It is now expected to move significantly further north than originally expected. The resulting moisture that pushes into our area, will combine with very cold air, and produce ideal conditions for a light fluffy snowfall."

The National Weather Service issued a briefing at 4:45 a.m.

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.

The storm's impact is expected to stretch into upstate New York and New England.

Many municipalities have already issued or scheduled snow emergency declarations and warned cars off the streets.

SUEZ, the largest water company in the region, reminded residents to be weather-ready by checking their personal emergency preparedness plans and making sure they have ample emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries and food. SUEZ encourages customers to store extra tap water in food-grade storage containers.

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