A weak low pressure will push east Wednesday night, through the Ohio Valley, and to the east coast by Thursday. This will spread a mix of snow, sleet and possibly some freezing rain into the Hudson Valley by sunrise on Thursday. The storm is not expected to be well organized and looks to have limited moisture to work with. But a light wintry mix could create some big headaches for our Thursday morning commute.
WHEN?…
12am to 6am: Light snow could develop from SW to NE
6am to 10am: Snow… mixing with sleet and possibly Freezing rain
10am to 2pm: Light wintry mix tapers off to drizzle & freezing drizzle
WHAT TO EXPECT…
– Temps in low to mid 20s, snow covered & icy roads
– In general a coating to 2 or 3 inches of snow, followed by wintry mix
– Likely ends as a period of sleet, mixing with freezing rain near & south of I-84
– Very treacherous travel possible for Thu AM commute into early afternoon
EARLY THOUGHTS…
These weaker systems can be a bit unpredictable, because the amount of moisture is uncertain. Some guidance delays the snow until after sunrise, due to dry air in place. That detail will mean the difference between a coating of snow, and 2 or 3 inches. Then milder air moves into the mid levels of the atmosphere, and likely changes the snow to sleet pellets, and depending on how much mild air moves in… the sleet could mix with or change to freezing rain (rain that freezes on paved surfaces). The timing looks like a problem for Thursday morning commutes to work & school, so keep checking for updates on the details.
This looks like a rather minor event, but a little snow and ice can go a long way toward creating hazardous travel. More updates soon.