By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
ALBANY — Snow and ice are likely headed to the region early Thursday morning through Friday.
A winter storm watch is in effect for the Capital District and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service Albany.
The greater Capital Region, including Albany and Greene counties, is expected to see six or more inches of snow and up to two-tenths of an inch of ice. The amount of ice will depend on how long it takes the precipitation to transition to sleet and snow.
A wintry mix is expected to begin Thursday afternoon starting with rain, then changing to freezing rain and sleet, followed by snow Friday.
Southern Albany County and Greene County are expected to get 6-8 inches of snow before the storm ends. Areas west of Albany, including Westerlo, could get 8-12 inches.
Accumulation will be highest north and west of the Capital District, with areas south of the region forecasted to get 2-4 inches.
Snowfall numbers are still uncertain due to movement of a front across the area and the arrival of colder air, according to National Weather Service Albany. The storm is expected to drop heavy wet snow, sleet and freezing rain on the region.
Driving during the Friday morning commute could be difficult.
“This snow will be a heavy wet snow, especially where sleet occurs, which is expected to occur mainly from the Schoharie Valley, Capital District and southern Vermont southward, which could impact the Friday morning commute,” according to the agency.
The local storm is part of a larger storm system that is expected to impact millions nationwide over the next couple of days.
“A large-scale and massive winter storm will impact the Central, Eastern and Southern U.S. over the next two to three days,” according to the National Weather Service. “Heavy snow is expected from the southern Rockies to northern New England, while heavy ice accretion is likely from Texas to Pennsylvania. Meanwhile in the warm sector, heavy rain and flooding are possible in the South and severe thunderstorms near the central Gulf Coast region.”
