Pre-Thanksgiving Storm To Drench Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A storm that started in the South Central states with torrential downpours, severe thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts, is forecast to arrive in the Mid-Atlantic states by Tuesday evening and push east and north through Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous outlook for Dutchess and Ulster counties for Tuesday and Tuesday night. For some locations, especially across northern and high terrain areas, the precipitation will start out as snow or a wintry mix. A light accumulation of snow and ice is possible and this could make for some locally slippery travel before precipitation changes to plain rain by the late night hours.

For southern Westchester County, a coastal flood advisory has been issued for 5-11 a.m. Wednesday.

"A slushy inch or two of snow is possible in the traditionally colder parts of the region. But for most of the region, this is a close call for the first winter storm of the season," Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook. "A cold rain, and a reminder that the seasons are quickly changing."

Rainfall totals could reach a few inches in some locations, the NWS said. Isolated flash flooding is possible, especially across urban areas.

After the storm it will be somewhat warmer.

"By Wednesday morning temperatures rise into the low to mid 40s with a high approaching 50°F during the day," Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather said on Facebook.

Are you traveling for the holiday?

"AccuWeather meteorologists believe that the greatest negative travel impacts associated with the storm will be into Tuesday in the Midwest and from Tuesday to Tuesday night in the Northeast, but some weather-related travel issues may linger into Wednesday," said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist. "Motorists should expect delays due to this storm. When combined with the high volume of traffic anticipated, any mishap or ponding on some of the highways can lead to major delays and potentially miles of stopped vehicles."

Airline delays are most likely during this time due to winds, drenching rain and poor visibility, according to AccuWeather. Those heading to the airport should double-check their flights as delays or cancellations could be possible.

Beginning Tuesday evening over upstate New York, trapped cold air will support snow and areas of freezing rain across New England as the moisture from the low pressure system arrives from the southwest. A few inches of snow is possible across interior New England before tapering off from west to east later on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

The North Country, Capital District, and Central New York could see rain, snow and freezing rain or sleet in some locations beginning late Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday.

"We are watching a storm system that could cause slippery conditions on roadways during the busiest travel day of the year, and I encourage New Yorkers to plan accordingly," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a news release. "While this state is no stranger to winter weather, it is always better to be prepared than to find yourself stranded or stuck. New York State agencies are prepared to assist local communities as needed and we will continue to monitor the forecast."

By the morning on Thanksgiving Day, the storm should be moving out to sea and much of the Eastern Seaboard should clear in time for holiday festivities. However, much of the Northeast will likely contend with blustery conditions as the storm is forecast to deepen quite rapidly just offshore.

Much more tranquil weather is expected across most regions to the west of the Mississippi River to the West coast over the next few days, the National Weather Service said. However, an expanding area of snow will fall from the northern Rockies into the northern High Plains to begin Thanksgiving Day.

Here's the next 48 hours at a glance, based on Dutchess County:

Here's the forecast through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, based on Rockland County:

• Tuesday - Partly sunny this morning, then becoming cloudy. A chance of rain this afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Tonight - Rain. Not as cool with lows around 40. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.
• Wednesday - Mostly cloudy. A chance of rain in the morning. Highs in the lower 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph, becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent.
• Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
• Thanksgiving Day - Mostly sunny. Highs around 50. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
• Thursday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.
• Friday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.
• Friday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows around 30.
• Saturday - Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
• Saturday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
• Sunday - Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
• Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.
• Monday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

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