Snow Expected for Otsego and Delaware Counties in New York
Here we snow again! In the 24 hours since first reporting on the impending winter weather, there have been a number of changes including advisory updates.
My own very amateur analysis is telling me that some areas might get a whole lot of wet snow, while others will see mood flakes, which are snow showers that are more atmospheric than intrusive.
Otsego and Chenango Counties are both under winter storm watches that begin at 4pm today. According to the National Weather Service office in Binghamton, "heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of a few inches in valleys with some higher elevations potentially seeing 5-9 inches under heavier banding. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes."
The story for Delaware County could be very different. Right now, the area is under a winter storm warning. The warning from the National Weather Service states: "Snow, heavy at times under localized bands. Totals will be highly elevation dependent as well. A few inches or less in valley locations with amounts of 5-12 inches above 1,500 feet. Totals of 12-18 inches possible in the highest elevations in western Wayne, eastern Lackawanna, Delaware and eastern Susquehanna counties. Travel could be very difficult, especially with snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour in spots overnight. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. Heavy snowfall could bring down trees and wires due to the weight of the snow."
Here are the differences between watches, advisories, and warnings: