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Winter Weather Advisory Extended for Hudson Valley, Catskills

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. visory-extended-for-hudson-valley-catskills.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 21:53 GMT by Staten Island Advance
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Albany, NY - February 10th, 2026 - A Winter Weather Advisory initially issued for portions of New York state has been extended, now covering a broad swathe of the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and mid-Hudson regions until Thursday evening. While initial forecasts predicted a relatively brief period of inclement weather, updated projections from the National Weather Service indicate a prolonged period of mixed precipitation - snow, sleet, and freezing rain - creating potentially hazardous conditions across eastern New York.

The advisory, currently impacting counties including Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, Greene, Columbia, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Schoharie, Albany, Rensselaer, and southern Berkshire, anticipates accumulations of 1 to 3 inches of snow and ice. However, meteorologists warn that localized areas, particularly at higher elevations in the Catskills, could see significantly higher snowfall totals. The persistent near-freezing temperatures are the key factor extending the duration and increasing the complexity of this weather system. Unlike a typical snowstorm where temperatures remain consistently below freezing, the fluctuating temperatures around the freezing point will result in a mix of precipitation types, leading to icy patches and black ice formation.

"This isn't simply a snow event," explains meteorologist Dr. Emily Carter at the National Weather Service Albany office. "The temperature profile is incredibly delicate. We're seeing a very shallow layer of warm air aloft, which means precipitation will fall as rain or sleet initially, then freeze on contact with surfaces already below freezing. This will create a glaze of ice on roads, sidewalks, and any exposed surface. The snow we do see will be wet and heavy, further complicating travel."

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has activated its winter operations plan, mobilizing salt trucks and plows across the affected regions. However, officials caution that even with diligent efforts, road conditions will be treacherous. Motorists are strongly advised to postpone or cancel non-essential travel until the advisory is lifted. For those who must travel, NYSDOT recommends allowing significantly extra time for commutes, reducing speed, increasing following distance, and being prepared for sudden stops.

The impact of the weather extends beyond roadways. Schools in several districts have already announced closures or delayed starts for Wednesday and Thursday. Utility companies are also preparing for potential power outages due to ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs. Residents are encouraged to have emergency kits prepared, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food items, and a supply of water. A full list of emergency preparedness recommendations can be found on the New York State Emergency Management Office website: [ https://www.dhses.ny.gov/ ].

The long-range forecast continues to suggest the potential for additional winter weather systems to impact the Northeast in the coming weeks. Experts attribute this extended period of cold and unsettled weather to a persistent blocking pattern in the upper atmosphere, which is steering Arctic air southward. While climate change is contributing to overall warmer temperatures globally, it can also exacerbate extreme weather events, including periods of intense cold and heavy precipitation. The increased moisture in the atmosphere due to warmer ocean temperatures can fuel more significant snowfall and icing events.

Residents are urged to stay informed by regularly checking updated forecasts from the National Weather Service ([ https://www.weather.gov/ ]), local news outlets, and the NYSDOT website ([ https://www.dot.ny.gov/ ]). The situation is dynamic, and conditions can change rapidly. Proactive preparation and cautious travel are essential to ensuring safety throughout this multi-day winter weather event.