Friday could start off with icy and slick conditions across the Hudson Valley as a storm moves into the region.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for all area counties starting at 4:00 a.m. on Friday.
There is a 60% chance for school delays across the region. For areas where ice lingers the longest, school closures may occur.
Temperatures from Thursday night into early Friday are expected to fall into the 20s and may remain below freezing as rain arrives during the Friday morning commute.
These conditions could allow the rain to freeze on contact — otherwise known as freezing rain.
A small increase in expected temperatures could prevent ice; however:
The Hudson Valley is notorious for taking a long time to warm above freezing during such events, as cold, dense air gets trapped in the region’s valleys.
This results in a concern for icy conditions that could create locally dangerous road and sidewalk conditions.
What? Areas of freezing rain, transitioning to plain.
When? Beginning between 5:00 - 8:00 a.m. from south to north. Freezing rain becoming plain rain by midday.
How much? A glaze of ice on untreated surfaces.
Impact? Icy conditions may develop during the morning commute in parts of the region. Because temperatures will be hovering near freezing and differ over a matter of miles, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where the ice will form. All Hudson Valley travelers should be aware of this risk and monitor their local conditions early Friday. Even if freezing rain is not occurring in your town, it could be falling nearby. Precautionary school delays may be necessary.
Freezing rain is a challenging phenomenon to forecast and can be especially dangerous during its onset. Be safe!
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