Preliminary Storm Forecast: Wednesday Night / Thursday

** Preliminary Storm Forecast: Wednesday Night / Thursday **

Timing:
- Snow begins between 12am and 3am Thursday
- Snow falls heavy at times through Thu AM commute
- Snow tapers off around mid day Thursday

Impacts:
- Snow covered and icy roads
- 10mph to 20mph winds, with blowing and drifting snow
- Reduced visibilities due to heavy falling snow
- Possibly treacherous Thursday AM commute

Snowfall:
- Catskills (zone 1&2): 3 to 6 inches
- N & W HV (Zone 5,6,N3,&N4): 4 to 8 inches
- Central HV (Zone 7,S3,&S4): 5 to 10 inches
- Lower HV (Zone 8&9): 6 to 12 inches

-- Discussion --

A wave of low pressure will rapidly intensify and deepen as it moves off the east coast Wednesday night into Thursday morning. As it does, an area of heavy snow should develop on the northwest side of the storm. Depending on the exact track of this deepening storm, it is very possible that the Hudson Valley falls within the axis of heaviest snow. With rapidly developing coastal storms, pinpointing the axis of heaviest snow is one of the most difficult things to do. So, please keep in mind that this is our "Preliminary Storm Forecast", and that these snow totals may need to be adjusted on Wednesday.

With the current data we have, it appears that the southern half of the Hudson Valley will see the most snow. We'll have to watch closely and see if the storm appears likely to track closer to the coast, bringing the axis of heaviest snow northward into the Hudson Valley. Regardless, this storm has the potential to bring the heaviest snowfall of the season so far, into our region. The Thursday morning commute looks to be significantly impacted, with travel being potentially treacherous into Thursday afternoon. We also expect strong winds with this system, and that could lead to blowing and drifting of snow, as well as near whiteout conditions.

It's been a quiet winter in terms of significant winter storms, so this storm will get a lot of attention over the next 36 hours. We will be going into 'Storm Mode' on Wednesday, as we track this system very closely. Alex will also be doing a live broadcast with our iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley partners, when we get a time, we will share that as well. A busy couple days are ahead, we'll share the details as we get them. Thank you so much, for all your support!