Winter Storm Warning Issued for White Plains

WHITE PLAINS, NY — With 6 to 12 inches of snow expected for the lower Hudson Valley, forecasters are warning about bad conditions particularly on Thursday morning.

Despite temps that will approach 60 degrees in spots today, the thermometer will plunge quickly this evening setting the stage for a heavy but fast-moving snowstorm.

The Hudson Valley will see at least 3 inches of snow and up to a foot is possible in Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.

"The storm is still looking formidable," said Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather. "This system will be a fast mover, basically racing along the frontal boundary, and out to sea. The snow will likely only last eight to 10 hours, but could put down 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. So this storm will pack a punch, no doubt."

The National Weather Service has issued two notices for southern Westchester:

• Winter Storm Warning in effect from February 9, 12:00 AM EST until February 9, 06:00 PM EST
• Hazardous Weather Outlook

A Winter Storm Warning for Heavy Snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The issue (as usual this winter) is how far to the south the storm will track, and whether the entire Hudson Valley will be affected or whether the brunt of it will fall south of I-84.

"Any way you slice it, the Thursday AM commute looks ugly, the question is 'how ugly'," Potter said.

Hudson Valley Weather predicts the worst of the storm will be between dawn and midday, when snow could be falling so fast it will cause white-out conditions.

The greatest risk of power outages will be when winds pick up during the latter part of the storm and in its wake, said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

Airport delays are likely and mass school closings are expected too.

Map: AccuWeather.com.