Latest HV Snow Total Predictions For Coming Storm

Editor's Note: Snowfall amounts were revised upward by the National Weather Service early Friday morning. SEE: HV Snow Totals Revised Upward For Weekend Storm

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As a winter storm approaches, meteorologists are more confident that it will bring heavy and measurable snow to much of the region.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm watches for the region Thursday afternoon.

• For Dutchess and Ulster counties: Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
• For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester, the NWS said total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 are inches possible.

Travel could be very difficult, the NWS said.

But here's the thing. Because it's only just cold enough, the exact storm track and intensity will be crucial for precipitation types and amounts, particularly for the Sound Shore.

The National Weather Service predicted the storm might start as snow in southern Westchester, but will mix with rain overnight and Sunday, with little if any accumulation.

"These details are expected to become clearer over the next 24-36 hours as the pieces of energy that will be forcing this system become better initialized by the weather models," the NWS said.

AccuWeather says our region is clearly in the storm's track.

"As the storm gains strength and moisture from the Atlantic, it will begin to unload snow at a heavy and steady rate from northeastern Pennsylvania to the middle and lower part of the Hudson Valley to central and southern New England," said Alyssa Glenny, AccuWeather Meteorologist.

Along I-95, the storm may still be struggling in strength as it passes and, combined with the warming effects of the Atlantic Ocean, could result in more rain than accumulating snow, she said. "However, not too far to the north and west of New York City, the snowfall may ramp up exponentially."

Furthermore, while the storm is expected to start Saturday afternoon, moving from southwest to northeast, and end with flurries Sunday afternoon, sub-freezing temperatures in the storm's wake Sunday night could lead to some ice on roads Monday morning.

Given the potential for gusty winds and heavy snow mixed with rain, types of conditions that can cause power outages and hazardous travel, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday directed state agencies to mobilize emergency response assets and urged New Yorkers to begin preparing their households and to closely monitor their local forecasts.

The state Department of Transportation also postponed its planned construction work I-87 that would have caused a long detour for northbound motorists in the mid-Hudson. SEE: Thruway Postpones Bridge Removal On I-87

Here's the daily forecast based on Putnam County:

• Thursday night - Clear. Lows around 20. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
• Friday - Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Friday Night - Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds around 5 mph.
• Saturday - Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 30s. Northeast winds around 5 mph, becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of snow 40 percent.
• Saturday Night - Snow. Snow may be heavy at times after midnight. Heavy snow accumulation. Lows in the upper 20s. Chance of snow 90 percent.
• Sunday - Snow likely, mainly in the morning. Additional light snow accumulation possible. Near steady temperature around 30. Chance of snow 70 percent.
• Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.
• Monday - Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
• Monday Night - Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
• Tuesday - Cloudy. Rain likely in the afternoon. Highs around 40. Chance of rain 70 percent.
• Tuesday Night - Rain, windy and not as cool with lows in the mid 30s. Chance of rain 90 percent.