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A major winter storm is expected to dump between 12 and 18 inches of snow across the Capital Region beginning Sunday morning, prompting officials to urge residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch effective from 7 a.m. Sunday (January 25) through 7 p.m. Monday (January 26) for Albany and surrounding areas. This marks the first major snowstorm of the winter season for the region.
The storm will affect all of eastern New York and western New England, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding one inch per hour at times, especially Sunday night. According to the National Weather Service of Albany, the eastern Catskills, Mid Hudson Valley, and southwestern New England are expected to see the highest accumulations.
The weather service warns that travel could be very difficult due to snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and blowing and drifting snow. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
This long-duration winter storm is part of a larger weather system affecting an estimated 230 million Americans across the nation. While southern regions will see ice, the Capital Region and Upstate New York are squarely in the path of heavy snowfall.
The storm's trajectory shifted northward this week, bringing the brunt of the weather to New York rather than the mid-Atlantic states as initially predicted.
Officials are urging residents to consider delaying travel if possible. Motorists who must travel should use extreme caution, leave plenty of room between vehicles, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Drivers should avoid sudden braking or acceleration and exercise particular care on hills and when making turns.
Lake effect snow bands are currently affecting northern Herkimer and Hamilton Counties, with an additional four to eight inches possible under the most persistent bands before shifting south later Friday. Current conditions also include wind gusts as high as 35 mph in some areas.
Following the storm, temperatures are expected to remain brutally cold, with highs around 20 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. The latest weather alerts can be heard on NewsRadio 103.1 / 810 WGY.