Timing For Friday Snow, Ongoing Freeze: Hudson Valley Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Snow is expected Friday, as below-freezing temperatures continue in the region.

While some communities could have flurries Thursday, the storm system itself is expected Friday.

The National Weather Service predicts just 1-3 inches, starting in the morning and tapering off in the early evening. The brunt of the snowfall will be in the lower Hudson Valley as well as Long Island, New York City and northeast New Jersey, the NWS said. A little bit of rain could add to the accumulated ice from Tuesday.

Drivers in the region can expect snow-covered roads and reduced visibility much of Friday, particularly during the evening commute.

"It's going to be so cold out that even an inch of snow can make driving treacherous," the folks at Hudson Valley Weather said on Facebook.

Plus, motorists and pedestrians alike should keep in mind that as temps drop into the teens at night, any slush and standing water will freeze in the wake of the storm. "Road and storm cleanup crews may stay busy after the storm moves away this weekend," said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

Also, there is what Bruce Furbeck of First Due Weather called "A true wildcard." A band of heavy snow associated with a potential inverted trough could raise snow totals if and where it develops, he said. "No forecaster will be able to determine its set up location for sure until it starts snowing. A true wildcard. These inverted troughs are always a surprise and unpredictable."

Temperatures will stay near or below freezing through Sunday night. Blustery winds this weekend will lead to wind chills near zero at times, with sub-zero values possible Saturday and Sunday morning.

That means frostbite could occur on exposed skin in under 30 minutes. Poorly insulated water lines along exterior walls could freeze and burst.

While waterways across the region will freeze by the time the cold lets up a little on Monday, Furbeck warned the ice will be thin.

Warmer air could also be accompanied by more snow next week.

Here's the 5-day forecast based on Poughkeepsie:

• Thursday Afternoon - A slight chance of snow showers after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 29. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Tonight - A slight chance of snow showers before 8pm, then a chance of snow after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Friday - Snow. High near 30. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
• Friday Night - Snow likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. North wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Saturday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.
• Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.
• Sunday - Sunny, with a high near 29.
• Sunday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 8.
• Monday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.
• Monday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Here's the next 48 hours at a glance: