Kingston, N.Y. – A powerful nor’easter is producing blizzard conditions across the mid-Hudson Valley and northwestern Connecticut early Monday, with heavy snow and strong winds making travel dangerous to impossible.
The National Weather Service in Albany has a Blizzard Warning in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for Litchfield County in Connecticut and Ulster and Dutchess counties in New York.
An additional 7 to 14 inches of snow is expected, bringing storm totals to 10 to 20 inches across the region. Higher elevations and southern portions of the counties are likely to see the greatest accumulations. Snowfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at times this morning.
Winds will gust between 40 and 50 mph, creating widespread blowing and drifting snow. Visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less, especially during heavier bands.
Major routes including I-87 (New York State Thruway), I-84, U.S. Route 9, Route 44 and Route 32 could become snow-covered with near-whiteout conditions. Both the morning and evening commutes are expected to be severely impacted.
The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds may bring down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages.
Officials strongly urge residents to avoid travel except for emergencies. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after sunset as the storm pulls away, but hazardous travel may persist into the evening hours.
