Weather Advisories: A major storm will affect the Northeast late Monday into Tuesday with potential travel impacts. The storm will accelerate as it moves out of the Gulf of Mexico and through the Southeastern states tonight. Clouds will increase ahead of the storm Christmas Day, Monday, but much of the daylight hours will remain dry. From here, specifics on how the rest of the storm will play out remain sketchy, as details and timing are difficult to pin down this far in advance.
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In general, though, it appears that precipitation will begin across the area some time late Monday afternoon or evening, with enough cold air in place to allow for a period of mixed rain, sleet, or snow at the onset. A changeover to all rain for the overnight hours appears likely in much of the area, although indications are that milder air will have a tough time making it into areas north of Albany, suggesting that a mix of sleet and snow may continue all night in these areas. Colder air will be dawn back into region as the storm winds up and moves offshore during the day Tuesday, likely meaning a change back to snow for the entire area. Right now the potential exists for a shovelable amount of heavy, wet snow to fall Monday night and Tuesday, especially in the mountains north and west of Albany.
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A WINTER STORM WATCH will be in effect Monday night through Tuesday night for northern Herkimer, Hamilton, and northern Warren Counties. Timing, the amount of cold air in place, and the ultimate strength of the storm will determine where and how much snow falls. A slight shift in the storm's forecast track will have a large effect on how the storm plays out in our local area. Travel (especially air travel) to other major East Coast cities could be affected as well, due to heavy rain. Adjustments to this forecast may be necessary, so please stay up to date with the latest forecast through the Holiday.
