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The significant winter storm is expected to blanket the Capital Region with substantial snowfall this weekend, has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a winter storm warning from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, residents should prepare for heavy snow with total accumulations between 12 and 18 inches across eastern New York and western New England. The eastern Catskills could see even higher totals, with up to 24 inches possible.
The storm system will move into the region Sunday, with snow beginning to fall between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the Hudson Valley, 10 a.m. and noon in the Capital Region, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Adirondacks.
"Snowfall rates will fall at 1 to 2 inches per hour at times, especially later on Sunday," said Rosemary Webb, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albany, as reported by the Times Union. The frigid temperatures will create "light, fluffy snowfall" conditions.
This could be the most significant snowfall the Albany area has experienced in years. The last time Albany saw greater than 12 inches of snow accumulation was in December 2020, and the last 10-inch snowfall occurred in March 2023.
"If we get at least 13.9 inches, it will be in the top 10 all-time largest snowstorms for the month of January in Albany," Webb added.
The winter storm warning will remain in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 p.m. Monday. Officials expect the heavy snowfall on Sunday to transition to lighter snow throughout Monday before ending by evening.
Travel conditions will be hazardous throughout the duration of the storm. Roads will likely be snow-covered with reduced visibility, particularly during Monday morning's commute. The National Weather Service advises residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
"If you do have to travel, make sure your car does have emergency preparedness items — such as blankets, an extra set of clothes, water, food — in case you do get stuck," Webb advised. "Monday morning is going to be very hazardous, very dangerous traveling conditions. If you do have to travel, take your time, go slow."
Local municipalities across the Capital Region have already begun declaring snow emergencies and parking restrictions in preparation for the storm.