![Hudson Valley Braces for Blizzard Conditions [UPDATE]](http://townsquare.media/site/704/files/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-13-at-9.11.53-PM.png?w=980&q=75)
Hudson Valley Braces for Blizzard Conditions [UPDATE]
Update, 9PM
The latest National Weather Service forecast predicts snowfall will begin overnight with the heaviest rates of snowfall occurring during the day.
The snowfall rates could reach 2 to 4 inches an hour with heavy wind gusts of up to 35 mph producing whiteout conditions.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency beginning at midnight.
---
Update, 5:20PM
A Blizzard Warning has been issued for the Hudson Valley.
---
The biggest snowstorm of the season and likely the biggest storm in years is now predicted for the Hudson Valley.
In their final snowfall forecast, Hudson Valley Weather is now predicting 16 to 24 inches of snow for the entire Hudson Valley and the Catskills, with the chance of some areas seeing up to 30 inches of snow.
“This storm will be the biggest storm of the season for the entire Hudson Valley,” Hudson Valley Weather wrote on Facebook. “Depending on exactly how this storm comes together... if it unfolds as the European model is currently suggesting... this storm could be one of the biggest in years.”
Many local areas are on the higher end of the 16 to 24 inch forecast.
Snow should start falling between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Tuesday with the heaviest coming between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. The storm should taper to snow showers between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Snowfall rates of one to four inches per hour is expected during the peak hours of the storm, potentially for six straight hours.
Near white out conditions, zero visibility, wind gust of over 35 mph, snow drifts and even a thunderstorm is in the forecast.
The combination of lots of snow and high winds could lead to power outages and snow drifts of several feet.
As of this writing, the National Weather Service is predicting 13 to 21 inches for most of the Hudson Valley. A winter storm warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
If the storm hits as expected, many schools and businesses will be closed. Use our storm center tool, below, to get the latest closings and delays for the Hudson Valley.
| 1) Select the category you would like to search by choosing the appropriate button next to "Name of Organization" or "City" 2) Type in part or all of the name, e.g. "pough" or "poughkeepsie" 3) Submit your request by clicking the "Submit Your Search" button. | ||
More From WRRV-WRRB
