Residents in two U.S. states are being urged to prepare for a significant winter storm, as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts up to 18 inches of snow from Sunday morning through Monday night.
The agency has activated an official winter weather warning across multiple counties in New York and Vermont, calling for immediate preparedness.
Why This Winter Storm Matters
The NWS has highlighted that road travel may become dangerous, particularly on bridges and overpasses, where surfaces could turn slick and hazardous.
In addition, strong winds combined with moderate to heavy snowfall may drop visibility to less than a mile, affecting Monday morning and evening commutes.
There is also a threat of power outages, as the heavy snow may place added strain on power lines, increasing the risk of damage.
States Under Winter Weather Warning
1. New York
Several parts of New York are expected to face dangerous winter conditions.
Northern Herkimer County
- Up to 14 inches of accumulated snow predicted
- Snowfall may approach 1 inch per hour
- Visibility expected to drop below one mile
Southeastern St. Lawrence County
- 6 to 12 inches of snow possible through Sunday and Monday
- Southern Franklin and western Clinton Counties may receive up to 15 inches
- Wind gusts up to 35 mph could produce sporadic power outages
- Travel conditions may range from difficult to impossible
2. Vermont
Multiple counties across Vermont are preparing for widespread snowfall and icy conditions.
Counties Under Warning
- Washington
- Orleans
- Eastern Chittenden
- Eastern Franklin
- Lamoille
These regions, especially the northwestern slopes, may see 10 to 18 inches of snow. Lower elevations are likely to receive around 1 inch, but ice accumulation may still create dangerous, slippery roads, particularly during Monday’s commute.
NWS Winter Safety Recommendations
How Residents Should Prepare
The National Weather Service emphasizes that anyone who must travel should:
- Inform someone of their travel plans
- Carry a winter emergency survival kit containing:
- Battery-powered radio
- Booster cables
- Shovels
- Sand
- Spare flashlight
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable, high-calorie food
- Bottled water
- Extra warm clothing and blankets
Community Guidance From NWS
The NWS further advises residents to:
- Stock up on food, medications, and first aid supplies
- Keep flashlights and portable radios ready with extra batteries
- Stay updated through NOAA Weather Radio or commercial media
- Prepare for possible power outages
- Monitor fast-changing weather updates
What Comes Next
Snow totals will vary by region, with higher elevations expected to receive the heaviest amounts. The NWS urges people to watch for rapidly changing road conditions, especially in mountainous areas, and to proceed cautiously outdoors. Icy surfaces can significantly increase the risk of slips and falls, making safety precautions essential.
This winter storm poses serious challenges for residents in New York and Vermont, with heavy snow, strong winds, power outage risks, and dangerous travel conditions.
Staying alert, preparing emergency supplies, and monitoring weather updates are key to ensuring safety. As snowfall intensifies, residents should expect changing conditions and take every precaution to protect themselves and their families.
