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A blizzard warning remains in effect for the Hudson Valley through Monday (February 23) at 6 p.m., as a powerful nor'easter continues to hammer the region with heavy snow, dangerous winds, and near-zero visibility. The warning covers Dutchess and Ulster counties in eastern New York, as well as Litchfield County in northwest Connecticut.
Forecasters say total snow accumulations could reach between 12 and 18 inches before the storm wraps up, with wind gusts up to 50 mph creating treacherous blizzard conditions. Snowfall rates hit as high as two inches per hour overnight Sunday into Monday morning, making road travel extremely dangerous. Visibility in some areas dropped as low as one-quarter mile due to blowing and drifting snow.
According to forecasters, the storm is expected to taper off by Monday evening, though cleanup could stretch on for several days.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for 22 counties, including parts of the Hudson Valley, ahead of the storm. "This forecast has shifted dramatically and once again, New York State is in the crosshairs of a very dangerous, fast-moving, potentially life-threatening winter storm," Hochul said during a news conference.
The National Weather Service warned that "we are nearing the peak of the event," with blizzard conditions expected to persist through at least daybreak Monday. In the Lower Hudson Valley, roughly five inches had accumulated as of early Monday morning, with more on the way. Around 80 Westchester County residents lost power, with concentrated outages in Mount Vernon and Yonkers. More than 60 additional residents in Putnam Valley and Lewisboro were also in the dark.
Schools across the region closed for the day. Courts in Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, and Westchester counties were also shut down Monday, along with courts in several Long Island counties.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day declared a county-wide state of emergency, effective Sunday evening, urging all residents to keep their vehicles off county roads. "With blizzard conditions expected, visibility will be extremely limited and travel will become dangerous very quickly," Day said. Westchester County also implemented a county-wide road ban starting at 9 p.m. Sunday.
Air travel took a major hit as well. According to FlightAware, more than 13,000 flights across the United States were canceled or delayed by Monday morning. Nearly all arriving and departing flights at LaGuardia Airport — more than 1,025 in total — were scrapped. About 88% of departing and 87% of arriving flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport were also canceled.
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned consumers to watch for price gouging during the storm. "As New Yorkers prepare for another snowstorm, my office is on the lookout for those trying to take advantage of consumers with excessive price hikes," James said.
Officials advise anyone who must travel to carry a winter survival kit and to stay with their vehicle if stranded. Residents are also warned not to use stoves or ovens for heat due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Forecasters say the storm should begin tapering off by Monday evening, but road clearing and recovery efforts are expected to continue for several days.