02/17/2025: In Wake of Ice, Very Strong Winds Monday

The Latest Storm Tracker Forecast from Meteorologists Matt Mackie and Kevin Appleby:

The combination of ice-covered tree limbs & powerlines and high winds may lead to scattered power outages across our viewing area on this President's Day. Additionally, a band of lake-effect snow will produce additional snow accumulations Monday and Tuesday, especially just northwest of Schenectady and through the Mohawk Valley. It's a cold work week before slightly milder temps move in for next weekend.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for much of the region, including the immediate Capital Region. Warned areas in that brighter yellow color may see wind gusts approach 65 MPH late this morning - early this afternoon. Wind Advisories are in effect elsewhere, in the brown-shaded regions. The advised areas may see gusts to 55 MPH.

Again, the winds look to peak late-morning into the early afternoon. On top of the power outage concerns, wind chill values will be very low, so dress warmly if you're going outside!

These winds are coming from the west-northwest. Lake-effect snow is ongoing this morning and will continue with the flow coming from Lake Ontario. The snow will be more consistent and intense to the northwest of Schenectady, but at times periods of light to moderate snow will drift eastward towards the Tri-Cities.

In total, accumulations look to exceed a half foot in parts of the Mohawk Valley today, with lighter amounts farther downwind from Lake Ontario to the southeast through Albany and into parts of western New England.

Temperatures peak in the low to mid 20s on Monday for many, but the wind chill will make it feel significantly colder - near or just above zero.

Wind will remain a forecast feature, but will subside slightly compared to the high winds of Monday during the daytime. High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories will be lifted by 7 PM.

Lake-effect snow showers will continue for parts of Tuesday, but accumulations look to be a bit less compared to Monday. Similarly, another plowable snow is possible for the western Mohawk Valley, but flurries or light snow showers again have the chance to make it to Albany and Western New England. It will still be windy, with gusts up to 40-45 MPH possible. Highs will be close to 20, again feeling much colder due to the wind.

Winds subside for Wednesday, a day that should feature more sun. However, it's another cold day with highs in the teens and low 20s. A passing storm to our southeast may bring a few snow showers to the area Thursday, but we are not expecting direct impacts from this storm as of writing this. It's yet another chilly, rather cloudy February day Thursday, with highs in the low to mid 20s for most.

Temperatures trend upwards heading into the weekend after another chilly, breezy day Friday. And, unlike the previous two weekends, we do not anticipate winter storms for the upcoming weekend!