A powerful nor’easter blanketed parts of the state and central New York in a foot and a half of snow as rain and high winds from the storm battered the Big Apple on Tuesday.
The first northeaster of the season blanketed parts of the Catskills with as much as 18 inches (45 cm) of snow, while Rensselaer and Saratoga counties in western New York recorded about 12 inches (30 cm) of the white stuff, according to the National Weather Service.
“Right now we’re looking at snow north of the city all the way up New York State,” Fox Weather meteorologist Dylan Debruyn told The Post.
At least 10 inches of snow fell in Albany and Columbia counties. Meanwhile, the village of Delanson, about 25 miles northwest of Albany, was hit by a massive 5 inches (14 cm) of snow.
The powerful nor’easter has largely spared the Big Apple, where heavy rains and damaging winds will continue to increase through Wednesday.
“It’s probably going to rain for New York City and Long Island as well. Maybe ending with some wet snowflakes,” Debruyn said.
Some flurries may be seen Tuesday morning, but forecasters don’t expect much snow to accumulate in New York City as temperatures will remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
But the storm system will produce strong winds, with gusts between 40 and 45 mph. Forecasters warn that extreme winds could exacerbate flooding in parts of Long Island, especially further east.
Warmer temperatures in New York City and Long Island mean people driving to work probably won’t see ice or snow causing major problems on the roads, but areas north of Manhattan where snow accumulates could experience problems.
While most of the rain and snow is expected to leave the region on Tuesday night, it is expected to remain stormy throughout the week.
Meanwhile, much of the state outside the five boroughs is under various types of weather warnings on Tuesday.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Monday and mobilized the National Guard as parts of central New York could see at least two feet of snow from Syracuse to Buffalo.
Hochul said the National Guard would be mobilized along with 8,000 utilities in anticipation of the snow emergency expected to officially begin at 8 p.m. Monday.
“This is a serious nor’easter. It’s something that should be taken extremely seriously, and that’s what we’re doing here in New York State. And we encourage everyone to heed these warnings. This is your chance today. Grab what you need, cancel your plans,” Hochul said Monday at a storm briefing outside Albany.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also declared a state of emergency for Morris, Sussex, Warren, Passaic and Bergen counties in the northern Garden State.