Midday storm update

...Intensifying winter storm off the northern New Jersey coast early this afternoon will continue heavy snow across our area...bands of intense snowfall moving north between Rutland and Burlington VT at 2 PM and also toward southern Essex county NY. Snowfall will be 1-2 inches per hour in these bands.

...Blizzard warnings continue across our area except heavy snow warnings across the St Lawrence Valley of NY...

...State of Emergency declared in Clinton County NY...

...Please relay snowfall reports to NWS Burlington VT...

Heavy snow will continue this afternoon and into the early night...before tapering off to light snow. Low pressure off the northern New Jersey coast this afternoon...will track northeast into the Gulf of Maine tonight. The Burlington NWS still expects total snow accumulations to be as follows:

***8 to 16 inches St Lawrence Valley
***12 to 24 Inches Across Rutland...Windsor...And Orange Counties of VT
***16 TO 26 Inches in New York's Adirondacks...Champlain Valley of VT/NY...and the remainder of central/northern VT


Along with the heavy snow...we expect blowing and drifting snow as the winds increase this afternoon. Winds were already gusting to 30 mph or so at the Diamond Island bouy on Lake Champlain. Another hazard is the cold temperatures across the area. Be careful if your outside...as these conditions will have a significant impact on all types of travel. With the cold and heavy snow...conditions can become life threatening very quickly.

As blizzard conditions develop with the increasing winds this afternoon and evening...whiteout conditions will be common. Travel is definitely NOT recommended.

a few midday snowfall reports included...
Crown Point NY...15 inches
Hancock VT....17 inches
Sutton VT.....8 1/2 inches
Jericho VT...  12.3 inches
Lunnenberg...10 inches
Montpelier VT...11  inches
Randolph VT....15 inches
Rutland VT....9 inches

This continues to evolve in a very dangerous storm. We note that a State of Emergency has been declared in Clinton County NY (by the county Emergency Manager) due to the storm. All unnecessary travel should be avoided. Dress in layers if outside to protect against the cold. Heed the advice of local Emergency Management.

Please relay weather reports/snowfall reports via amateur radio/RACES or telephone to NWS Burlington VT.

Everyone should stay abreast of the latest weather information via NOAA Weather Radio or local TV Radio media. Also check the NWS homepage at    weather.gov.    Please refer to winter weather messages in the ALBWSWBTV and ALBWSWALY   winter weather messages.

Regards...
Steve Hogan
-- 
Steve Hogan - WCM
NOAA - NWS Burlington, VT  05403
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802-862-9883
http://weather.gov