An extended spring storm is set to arrive in New York City and the suburbs starting late Tuesday, bringing wind gusts of about 40 mph and the threat of flooding in low-lying areas lasting into Thursday, forecasters said.
“Despite early signs of spring, we are closely monitoring a storm system that is expected to bring heavy snow, rain and gale force winds to parts of our state,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement.
She called on New Yorkers to “monitor their local forecasts and take proper precautions.”
North and northwest of the city, chillier air is forecast to produce several inches of snow by Wednesday night. The Adirondacks and Catskills could face up to two feet, according to Hochul’s office.
The National Weather Service projected an inch or two of snow in Albany, four to six inches in Cooperstown and up to 12 inches in Essex County by Thursday night. The expected heavy, wet snow and strong winds could lead to upstate power outages.
In New York City, thunderstorms are possible Wednesday afternoon, with rain rates of up to an inch per hour, according to the city’s Emergency Management Office.
The city said it would activate its flood emergency plan through Thursday. “A few rounds of minor coastal flooding are expected,” the Emergency Management Office said on social media.
Aries Dela Cruz, a spokesman for the office, said flash flooding in the city is not expected but cannot be ruled out.
The governor’s office said the long-duration lashing from the storm system will likely snarl commutes on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hundreds of snow plows are primed for deployment, and the State Police’s repertoire of emergency vehicles are staged for rapid response to emergencies, according to the governor’s office.
“No, this is NOT an April Fool’s Joke!” the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center said Sunday on social media. “Confidence is increasing that a significant winter storm will bring heavy snow and gusty winds to portions of the Great Lakes and Northeast.”