Upstate New York Braces for Late-Season Winter Storm This Week

As the temperature gradually rises and signs of spring become more apparent, Upstate New Yorkers are bracing for a late-season surprise.

A powerful storm system, currently making its way across the United States, has the potential to develop into a Nor'easter and bring snow and strong winds to the region in the coming days.

While the exact snowfall amounts are still uncertain, meteorologists are monitoring the system's path and issuing preliminary forecasts to help residents prepare for the wintry conditions.

The Changing Forecast

Last week, meteorologists detected a storm system in the Pacific that had the potential to intensify into a Nor'easter. Initial predictions centered on heavy rain for New England, transitioning to snow in parts of Maine and Massachusetts. However, the storm's path has since shifted, and current models suggest Upstate New York might experience a significant snow event.

Brian Donegan, Senior Digital Meteorologist at FOX Weather says, "A late-season winter storm could hit parts of upstate New York and New England in the upcoming week. General timeframe is from late Wednesday into Thursday."

Expectations for Upstate New York

The National Weather Service has not yet issued any specific weather alerts, as the storm is still several days away. Nevertheless, forecasters from Accuweather and Weather.com anticipate a mix of rain and snow for Upstate New York by Wednesday. Colder temperatures are also expected, with overnight lows ranging from the low to mid-30s. While it is too early to estimate exact snow accumulations, some early models suggest a potential for up to 5 inches of snow in some parts of Central New York.

Rarity of April Nor'easters

Springtime nor'easters are uncommon but not entirely unheard of in the Northeast. The last notable April nor'easter in New York occurred in 2022, bringing substantial snowfall and power outages across the state. Typically, nor'easter season wraps up by March, with intense storm activity becoming more likely during the hurricane season in June.

Looking Ahead

Despite the late-season snowfall, forecasts indicate a quick return to spring-like temperatures almost immediately after the storm passes. Snow is expected to start melting by this weekend with temperatures climbing into the upper 40s and eventually reaching the 50s and 60s by early next week.