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A blizzard warning has been issued for the Hudson Valley, with forecasters warning of dangerous conditions from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening as a powerful nor’easter moves through the region. Residents in Dutchess and Ulster Counties in eastern New York, as well as Litchfield County in northwest Connecticut, are expected to see blizzard conditions, with total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
The National Weather Service upgraded its winter storm warning to a blizzard warning on Sunday (February 22), advising that travel will be "difficult to impossible" and visibility could drop as low as one-quarter mile due to blowing and drifting snow. According to the forecast, snowfall rates may reach two inches per hour late Sunday night into early Monday morning, making the Monday morning and evening commutes especially hazardous. Forecasters and local officials are urging residents to avoid travel unless it is an emergency and to prepare for the possibility of isolated power outages caused by downed tree limbs and power lines, as reported by Mid Hudson News.
The storm is part of a larger nor’easter impacting much of the Northeast, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul declaring a state of emergency for 22 counties, including parts of the Hudson Valley, starting Sunday morning. "This forecast has shifted dramatically and once again, New York State is in the crosshairs of a very dangerous, fast-moving, potentially life-threatening winter storm," Kathy Hochul said during a news conference, as noted by Freep.
Wind gusts across the region could reach as high as 70 mph in some coastal areas, increasing the risk of power outages and coastal flooding. The heaviest snow is anticipated to fall Sunday night through Monday morning, with higher amounts expected in elevated and southern areas of the affected counties.
Officials advise anyone who must travel to carry a winter survival kit and stay with their vehicle if stranded. The American Red Cross recommends preparing for power outages by gathering supplies such as water, flashlights, batteries, and medications. For those staying home, experts warn not to use stoves or ovens for heat due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The state of emergency declarations enable better emergency response coordination but do not restrict travel by law. Schools and businesses are likely to see closures or delays, and airport operations in cities like New York and Boston are expected to be disrupted, according to NJ.com.
Travelers are urged to monitor updates from local officials and the National Weather Service as the storm continues to develop. The storm is forecast to taper off by Monday evening, but cleanup and recovery could last several days.