New York state is bracing for what could be the biggest storm of the year – and perhaps one of the biggest in years – and forecasts call for at least a foot of snow to fall in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley by Monday.
More: Here’s how much snow to expect this weekend.
Early Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a new winter storm warning in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday through 7 p.m. Monday for all of eastern New York and western New England.
On Sunday, snow will begin falling between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the Hudson Valley, 10 a.m. and noon in the Capital Region and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Adirondacks, said Rosemary Webb, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albany.
Webb said forecast models have been consistent over the past few days and estimate total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches in the Capital Region and down into the mid-Hudson Valley, with up to 24 inches in the eastern Catskills.
The snowstorm could be the biggest the Albany area has seen in years, and maybe one of the biggest in history, depending on how much snow falls. Webb said the last time Albany saw more than 12 inches of snow accumulation was in December 2020. The last time Albany saw 10 inches of snow was in March 2023, Webb added.
“If we get at least 13.9 inches, it would be in the top 10 biggest snowstorms of all time for the month of January in Albany,” Webb said.
More: These are the Capital Region’s 10 biggest snowstorms – so far.
Related: Snow emergencies, parking restrictions declared across the Capital Region.
Snow rates will fall 1 to 2 inches per hour at times, especially later Sunday, Webb said. Freezing temperatures will bring along “light, fluffy snow,” Webb said. The forecast predicts heavy snow on Sunday will transition to light snow on Monday for most of the day before ending by evening.
Webb advises residents to avoid traveling during the snowstorm, as roads will be covered in snow and there may be reduced visibility.
“If you have to travel, make sure your car has emergency preparedness items — like blankets, an extra set of clothes, water, food — in case you get stuck,” Webb said. “Monday morning will be very dangerous, very dangerous travel conditions. If you have to travel, take your time, go slowly.”
This article originally published in When will the snow storm start in Albany, Hudson Valley on Sunday?.