Possible Significant Snowstorm In Forecast: HV Weather

A significant snowstorm could affect the Hudson Valley this week, and the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook. Forecasters say the first flakes could come early Thursday morning.

The NWS says there's a low chance that the storm could produce up to 6 inches of snow in parts of the Hudson Valley, and a greater chance of "very gusty northwest winds." The winds will begin to strengthen Wednesday, hundreds of miles away from the center of the storm.

Snowfall amounts will ultimately depend on how close the offshore low-pressure system tracks to the Hudson Valley, which is still uncertain at this time, according to the NWS.

A major storm, it will track close enough to the East Coast to bring snow especially in New England, and windy conditions to much of the Atlantic Seaboard, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. Seas will build to dangerous levels for small craft from the mid-Atlantic to southeastern Canada.

Maine is looking at the prospect of not only a foot or more of snow but also the risk of hurricane-force winds and frigid air at the same time. Tremendous blowing and drifting snow is likely and some communities could be isolated for several days in the wake of the storm, should this worst-case scenario unfold, according to AccuWeather.

Enough snow could make roads slippery in the Hudson Valley. And if the storm were to track within 100 miles of the coast, heavy snow could occur over the Interstate 95 corridor.

Meanwhile, frigid conditions will remain. Arctic air will spread southward as far as Florida.

Images: Patch.com, AccuWeather.com