Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — It's going to rain hard starting on Thursday, the National Weather Service predicts. We could get more than an inch of rain, and so flooding is possible along with strong gusty winds.

A hazardous weather outlook issued for Dutchess and Ulster counties says:

A large storm system will bring a widespread, soaking moderate to potentially heavy rainfall Thursday night into Friday night. The rainfall coupled with some snow melt in the higher terrain may produce some minor flooding. If confidence increases for the potential of widespread minor flooding, then a Flood Watch may be issued later in time.

The rainfall may also produce some poor drainage flooding of low lying areas, and ponding of water on roadways.

Strong east to southeast gusty winds are also possible over the higher terrain of eastern New York and western New England, especially the southern Greens, Berkshires, Litchfield Hills, and Taconics. A Wind Advisory or High Wind Warning may be needed Thursday night through Friday morning.

A hazardous weather outlook issued for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties says:

Unsettled weather will return by late day Thursday into Thursday night as deepening low pressure moves up the spine of the Appalachians, with the potential for heavy rain, windy conditions and coastal flooding. Heavy rain should occur late Thursday night into Friday morning, but the exact location of the heaviest rain remains uncertain.

The storm could trouble travelers and create delays — plus it could mean delays in package deliveries, said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

It won't be freezing, though.

It's been colder than average so far in December, but that's going to change with this storm, says Hudson Valley Weather, "we will very likely close out the month of December with temperatures that are above average for this time of year."

As for those predictions of a white Christmas, "the odds are very much against it," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter.

SEE ANYWAY: White Christmas On Way For HV, Almanacs Predict

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MAP via AccuWeather.com