Weather Briefing for Albany, NY and Surrounding Areas

Issued by: National Weather Service
Date/Time: December 4, 2024, 4:45 PM

Overview:

A significant winter storm is impacting Eastern New York and Western New England through Thursday night, with potential hazardous conditions due to snow, strong winds, and snow squalls.

Key Hazards and Impacts:

1. Moderate to Heavy Snow:

   • Impacts: Difficult travel due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility from blowing snow.
   • Location: Western and southern Adirondacks, western Mohawk Valley, Bennington and western Windham Counties (VT).
   • Timing: Tonight through late Thursday night, affecting Thursday's morning commute. Snow transitions to lake effect and upslope snow by midday Thursday.

2. Light to Moderate Snow:

   • Impacts: Hazardous travel due to snow-covered roads and blowing snow.
   • Location: Schoharie/Central Mohawk Valleys, eastern Catskills, Saratoga/Lake George Region, and Taconics (NY), Berkshire County (MA), and Litchfield County (CT).
   • Timing: Light snow becomes steady tonight, transitioning to upslope snow Thursday morning, lasting into Thursday night.

3. Snow Squalls and Strong Winds:

   • Impacts:
     • Dangerous whiteout conditions during squalls.
     • Winds (40-50 mph gusts) may knock down tree limbs, cause minor power outages, and blow unsecured objects.
     • Areas of blowing snow may reduce visibility and cover roads after initial snowfall.
   • Location: All of Eastern New York and Western New England, with strongest winds in Mohawk Valley, Schoharie County, Capital Region, mid-Hudson Valley, Taconics, and Berkshire/Litchfield Counties.
   • Timing: Windy conditions persist throughout Thursday, with snow squalls expected Thursday morning.

Snowfall Forecast:

• High End: Up to 12 inches in localized areas with lake effect/upslope snow by Friday morning.
• Low End: Minimal accumulation in the immediate Capital District (under 2 inches) due to downslope effects.

Strong Wind Advisory:

• Timing: 7 AM to 10 PM Thursday.
• Peak Gusts: 50 mph in advisory areas.

Travel Advisory:

• Expect slippery and snow-covered roads, particularly during the Thursday morning commute.
• Dangerous travel likely during snow squalls due to rapid whiteouts.

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