Winter Storm Watch Updated For Hudson Valley

SEE continually updated coverage of the storm here: Hudson Valley Storm: Gale Warning, School Changes, New Estimates

SATURDAY NIGHT — The timing of the winter storm bearing down on the Hudson Valley has changed slightly. And while the National Weather Service heightened its alert for Ulster County to a Winter Storm Warning, the Winter Storm Watch remains for most of the region for Sunday morning into Tuesday morning, NWS meteorologists said during the Saturday evening briefing.

Check back with Patch Sunday morning for storm updates.

The storm will start later than originally estimated. The NWS said moderate snow will spread into the region beginning in the late morning to early afternoon hours. Snow will become lighter for Sunday night and may mix with sleet. Periods of moderate to heavy snow will return during the day Monday into Monday night, ending by Tuesday morning. Snow and ice combined with gusty winds could lead to power outages.

The NWS predicts 6-12 inches of snow and 1/10th inch of ice for Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester.

Also, there is now a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Sunday for southern Westchester. There, the NWS predicts 2-3 inches of snow and a glaze of ice, before a changeover to rain by Sunday evening. Also, minor coastal impacts are likely for Western Long Island Sound shorelines during times of high tide Sunday night.

The NWS said snow is expected to fall at 1-2 inches per hour at times. Travel could be very difficult. Both commutes on Monday and Tuesday will be affected.

If you'll be on the road, here are tips for safe driving:

• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.
• Make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.