Snow Band Crossing Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Northern Westchester

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A band of heavy snow brought a hazardous outlook from the National Weather Service for Ulster and eastern Dutchess counties this morning and a special weather statement for Rockland, Putnam, Orange and northern Westchester.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester: Light snow, possibly moderate at times, will continue through the early afternoon. Visibilities will be reduced to one half to one mile at times. Temperatures will drop to around freezing, allowing for snow to accumulate on untreated roads. One to locally two inches of snowfall is likely across this area, particularly across the highest elevations, before ending early to mid afternoon. Be prepared for snow and slush covered roads, particularly secondary and elevated roadways. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.

The weather caused a number of schools in the region to change schedules.

"A couple of inches of snow are possible across parts of the region today, as we will see a rather rare phenomenon for our part of the world," said Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather.

The band of intense snow is moving from west to east, causing rapidly changing conditions and periods of snow into the afternoon.

Meanwhile a coastal flood advisory went into effect at 10 a.m. for southern Westchester.

Minor flooding is expected in the more vulnerable locations near the Long Island Sound.

Up to a half-foot of inundation above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline, the National Weather Service said. Some roads and low-lying properties including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with basements near the waterfront could flood. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.