What to know about Tuesday's snow
Update #682a: Widespread school closings are expected in the Hudson Valley on Tuesday.
It’s December 1 — happy meteorological winter! The Hudson Valley’s first winter storm is gathering in the Midwest on Monday and will reach the region on Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service issued winter storm watches for Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess Counties. Winter weather advisories cover Rockland and Putnam Counties.
There continues to be a high chance for school closings on Tuesday.
The latest on the snow
Timing: Snow will likely start from west-to-east between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Tuesday and end between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Amounts: Snow amounts of 3 to 6 inches are expected across Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess, and northern Putnam Counties, with the highest totals occurring along and north of I-84.
In Rockland, northern Westchester, and southern Putnam Counties, 1 to 3 inches are expected, with little or no snow south toward New York City. That’s because the rain-snow line is expected to reach these areas by Tuesday afternoon.
The dividing line between areas receiving accumulating snow and little snow looks quite sharp, leading to significant changes in road conditions over short distances and a challenging forecast for areas near that dividing line.
Impacts: Roads will become snow-covered and slippery regionwide on Tuesday morning — with temperatures in the 20s to near 30 — with the storm impacting both the morning and afternoon commutes.
Some schools may announce closings on Monday night, especially in areas where snowfall amounts are forecast to be highest — such as across Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess Counties.
Snow will have a wet consistency, making it heavier to shovel.
With the storm ending on Tuesday evening, crews should have time to clear roads and parking lots in time for Wednesday morning, though slick conditions will persist on untreated surfaces. I don’t think delays will be widespread on Wednesday, although they can’t be ruled out.
Follow along on Facebook or check my website around 6 p.m. Monday for school-by-school closing percentages!
Happy meteorological summer from New Zealand, where the country’s Christmas trees, called pōhutukawa, have flourished amid recent hot, tropical weather patterns.
