New Estimates For Snow, Ice In The Hudson Valley: NWS

The National Weather Service has updated its predictions as the next winter storm bears down on the Hudson Valley. In fact, it upgraded the winter weather watch for Dutchess and Ulster counties to "warning" status Friday morning.

The warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m Sunday. The storm is expected to end late Sunday with high winds and plummeting temperatures.

Here's what the NWS now predicts for accumulation:

Dutchess and Ulster counties

• Heavy snow and mixed precipitation of sleet and freezing rain expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting to 25 to 30 mph Sunday afternoon.

Orange and Putnam

• Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 6 to 10 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth to a quarter of an inch possible.

Northern Westchester and Rockland

• Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 4 to 8 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth to a quarter of an inch.

Southern Westchester

• Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch possible.

Across the region, travel could be very difficult, the NWS warns. Strong wind gusts Sunday afternoon into the night could bring down tree limbs and power lines.

New York State Police offer these tips

• Avoid unnecessary driving during the storm. Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.
• If you must travel, leave with extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination. Take into consideration snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility.
• Remember bridge and exit and entrance ramps can be icy when other road surfaces are not.
• Clean all snow and ice from the entire vehicle and ensure the windshield is clear of frost.
• If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and in an emergency dial 911.

• Get the latest weather forecast and road conditions before leaving via your local weather apps, radio or TV stations.
• Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY of any snow and ice before driving.
• Keep a full tank of gas
• Make sure fluid levels are topped off (windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze)
• Make sure your spare tire is in working condition, and you have a jack and lug wrench
• Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.
• Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.
• Brake early
• Do NOT use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.
• Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.
• Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.
• Stock your trunk to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available:
  • Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc.
  • Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc.

If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway:

• If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency. You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.
• Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.
• If you become stranded on the Thruway or any roadway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.

SEE ALSO: Storm Warnings In Effect For Mid-Hudson Valley

Image: National Weather Service

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