Up until late this afternoon, the National Weather Service had insisted Orange County would only receive plain rain from a coastal storm set to begin tomorrow. Moments ago, the meteorologists drastically changed that forecast and issued a Winter Storm Watch for Orange County.
Previously, the forecast called for 1″ to 1.5″ of plain rain. Now, plowable snowfall is in the forecast.
The Winter Storm Watch for Orange County is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Total snow accumulations of up to 7″ plus additional ice accumulations are now expected. In addition, wind gusts to 35 mph are possible. The highest snowfall totals are expected along the Interstate 84 corridor and points north.
The National Weather Service cautions that heavy, wet snow coupled with windy conditions could cause downed tree limbs and wires, resulting in power outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.
A Winter Storm Watch means that conditions are favorable, but not yet imminent. National Weather Service forecasters concede that they are still uncertain about the conditions in Orange County and the exact precipitation type. There may be complete changeovers to rain at certain points, but they remain unsure.
Winter Storm Warnings have already been posted elsewhere across the region, upgrading Winter Storm Watches that were previously posted for those areas.
For western Ulster County, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4:00pm Thursday to 10:00am Saturday. Snowfall amounts greatly vary, but some areas in the higher elevations may see 12-18″, according to the National Weather Service.
For Sullivan County, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10:00am Thursday to 7:00pm Friday. Total snow accumulations of 6-9″, a light glaze of ice, and wind gusts to 35 mph are forecast. “Travel could be very difficult” in Sullivan County, says the National Weather Service. Snow will be wet and heavy, so power outages are expected.
Live radar, real-time weather conditions, current weather alerts, and the forecast more can be seen at Vail’s Gate Tower, operated by The Newburgh News, LLC, here.
