Earlier this week, the region saw temperatures in the upper 60s, thunderstorms, a high wind event, freezing temperatures, and a snow storm – all within a three day span.
Now, as March comes in like a lion, prepare for more snow before you “spring ahead” and set your clocks ahead on Saturday night.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for Sullivan and western Ulster Counties, and Winter Weather Advisories for Orange, eastern Ulster, and western Dutchess Counties. The warnings and advisories are in effect throughout the day Saturday.
For Orange County, so-called weather experts forecast 2-4″ of snow with 35 mph winds. The advisory runs from 6am to 7pm on Saturday. Despite temperatures near 60 degrees today, the NWS warns that temperatures will quickly fall during the day Saturday, resulting in a quick freezing of any standing water from snowmelt while snow begins accumulating.
For eastern Ulster and western Dutchess Counties, NWS forecasts 2-6″ of snow with 45 mph winds from 7am to 7pm on Saturday.
For western Ulster County, the NWS forecasts 5-9″ of snow with wind gusts to 40 mph. Travel is expected to become difficult due to blowing snow and poor visibility. The warning lasts throughout the day Saturday.
Sullivan County is expected to get hit the hardest. The NWS warns snowfall totals will reach 7-12″ with wind gusts to 40 mph. Snowfall rates could reach 1-3″ per hour at times. Heavy snowfall rates, blowing snow, and poor visibility could produce dangerous travel conditions. The warning is in effect from 1am-7pm Saturday.
