A powerful late-season nor’easter is poised to sweep across the Northeast from Sunday into Monday, bringing the threat of heavy snowfall to the Catskills and parts of northeastern Pennsylvania.
SATURDAY PM UPDATE: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 1a.m. Sunday through 7 p.m. Monday for our listening area: In New York, Sullivan, Orange, Delaware, and Ulster Counties. In Pennsylvania, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, and Southern Wayne Counties. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Delaware County.
Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 14 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. .
The City of Middletown is declaring a State of Emergency beginning Sunday, Feb. 22 at 11:00 AM through Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5:00 AM.
Current projections call for 8 to 12 inches of snow in communities such as Monticello, Honesdale, and Milford.
Middletown could see up to 18 inches if low pressure continues to trend closer to the coast, and where heavier snow banding develops and persists.
Snowfall amounts are forecast to drop off quickly west and north of the watch area, creating what could be a sharp gradient between moderate and heavy snow.
Coastal areas are preparing for more intense conditions. Blizzard warnings have been issued for Long Island, New York City and southern Connecticut from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. Winter Storm Warnings also cover interior southern Connecticut and the Lower Hudson Valley.
In addition to snow, officials are watching for minor to moderate coastal flooding during the Sunday night high tide cycle, along with potential dune erosion and localized overwash along ocean-facing beaches. Gale to storm-force winds and high seas are also possible on regional waters.
New Yorkers can also receive real-time weather and emergency updates by texting their county name to 333111.
Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Authorities said anyone who must travel should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including blankets, a flashlight, extra clothing and food. Drivers should clear snow and ice from their vehicles, maintain safe distances and adjust speeds to match road conditions.
Stay with Radio Catskill through the weekend, as watches may be upgraded to warnings and snowfall projections refined as the system develops.
Image: A roadway caution sign is seen as motorists commute during a winter snow storm Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)