First Thanksgiving Snowstorm in a Decade Hits Capital Region
The Capital Region experienced its first Thanksgiving Snowstorm in a decade on Thursday, catching many off guard as heavy, wet snow blanketed the area. Initially forecasted to bring mostly rain to Albany, the storm shifted course when temperatures dropped to the low 30s late Wednesday night. The updated forecast predicted snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches along the I-87 corridor. By Thursday afternoon, Albany International Airport reported 3.7 inches of snow, while Knox in Albany County Hilltowns recorded the region’s highest total at 10.5 inches. Schenectady and Saratoga counties saw snowfalls ranging from 6 to 8.5 inches. Meteorologist Tim Humphrey from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albany confirmed additional light snow was expected early Thursday evening north of the Thruway.
Power Outages and Travel Warnings Issued
The sudden Thanksgiving Snowstorm led to sporadic power outages, primarily west of Albany and in the Catskills, according to National Grid and New York State Gas and Electric. The Albany area, including the I-87 corridor, was placed under a winter weather advisory, while regions such as northern Saratoga County, western Schenectady, eastern Rensselaer County, and the higher elevations in the Adirondacks and Catskills were under a winter storm warning. Predictions indicated some areas could receive up to a foot of snow, though regions south of Poughkeepsie remained snow-free.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple urged caution, advising residents to adjust their travel plans and drive carefully due to slippery and unpredictable road conditions. He reminded motorists to allow extra time for travel, especially in areas where road elevations made conditions more hazardous.
Broader Impacts and Historical Context
The NWS noted that the storm was drawing heavy precipitation from the Atlantic Ocean, with meteorologist Peter Speck highlighting the storm’s fast movement but significant snowfall. Governor Kathy Hochul also issued warnings for lake-effect snow in parts of western and central New York, as well as the North Country, lasting through Monday. Some areas downwind of lakes Erie and Ontario were forecasted to accumulate up to 4 feet of snow, potentially making travel nearly impossible.
The last Thanksgiving Snowstorm to bring more than 3 inches of snow to Albany occurred in 2014, when a two-day storm brought 10.4 inches to the region. While this year’s storm may not have reached those levels, it served as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by unexpected weather events during holiday travel.
