Albany, NY – Travel across the Hudson Valley and northwest Connecticut could become impossible overnight as snowfall rates near 2 inches per hour combine with wind gusts up to 50 mph before the Monday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for Litchfield County in Connecticut and Ulster and Dutchess counties in eastern New York. Storm totals between 12 and 18 inches are expected, with the highest amounts in elevated terrain and southern portions of the region.
Major routes including I-84 near Newburgh and Danbury, the New York State Thruway through Kingston, and the Taconic State Parkway in Dutchess County may see whiteout conditions as visibility drops to a quarter mile or less. Strong winds will loft freshly fallen snow, creating deep drifts in open areas and across north-south roadways.
Communities including Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, Beacon, Torrington and Ellenville face the greatest impacts late tonight through Monday afternoon. Heavy, wind-driven snow could down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages.
Officials urge residents to restrict travel to emergencies only. Anyone who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and stay with their vehicle if stranded. Blizzard conditions are expected to persist through the evening commute before gradually easing Monday night.
