The Exact Dates Snow Is Set To Paralyze New York

It feels like the leaves are just starting to change colors, but New Yorkers are going to deal with snow sooner than you might think.

Weather experts are telling New Yorkers to find their winter coats, shovels, a snowblowers.

New Yorkers May Deal With Snow In OctoberMizC/Tony Savino

Winter will officially start on Sunday, Dec. 21. Winter will end on Friday, March 20, 2026.

This summer, the Farmers’ Almanac Extended Fall Forecast 2025 said that New York State, as well as other states across the East Coast, could see some snow before Halloween.

Incoming: Thousands Fleeing Florida, California, Texas For New York
State

While rare, the Hudson Valley and other regions in New York have dealt with snowstorms in October.

Earliest Snowstorms In Parts Of New YorkGetty Images

According to WPDH, the earliest recorded snowstorm in the Hudson Valley was on October 4.

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Back in 2011, a major nor’easter on Oct. 29 brought a massive amount of snow to the Hudson Valley, Albany, New York City, and Long Island. (I remember being devastated that year when the snow bamboozled my Halloween plans)

In Rochester, snow fell on Oct. 14, 2022, while Buffalo was once blanketed with snow on Oct. 12, 2006.

When New York State Typically Sees Its 1st SnowstormGetty Images

Below is the average date when parts of New York typically see their first snowstorm.

The Dates When New York State Typically Sees Its 1st Snowstorm ThinkstockAlbanyThe average date for the first measurable snowfall in Albany is Nov. 16. Snow has fallen in Albany as early as Oct. 4, 1987, and as late as Dec. 28, according to the National Weather Service Albany. robertiezHudson ValleyWPDH reports the earliest the Hudson Valley has seen snow is Oct. 4. That date has of course come and passed. The average date for the first snowstorm in the region is Nov. 16. zoff-photoHudson Valley MoreHudson Valley meteorologist Ben Noll says the average date for the first inch of snow is Dec. 4. Getty ImagesCentral ParkCentral Park typically sees snow around Dec. 13, the National Weather Service reports. Last winter it took until Feb. 1 for the first measurable snow, that’s the last ever. BuffaloThe average first flake in Buffalo is Oct. 24, according to the National Weather Service. The earliest ever was Sept. 20, 1956, with the latest on Nov. 22 in 1946 and 1985. Getty Images LaGuardia Airport, QueensThe average first measurable snow at LaGuardia Airport is Dec. 10. In 2019 Queens reported its first snowfall in November.

Tony Savino

RochesterRochester’s average first snowfall is Oct. 23. The earliest flakes fell on Sept. 20, 1956, with the latest on Nov. 20, 1918. pixelnestNew York CityNew York City typically sees snow for the first time on Dec. 14, according to The Weather Channel. Oct. 21, 1952, was the earliest the Big Apple saw snow. Getty ImagesJohn F. Kennedy International AirportSnow typically falls around John F. Kennedy International Airport around Dec. 9. Last year it didn’t snow there until Feb. 1, which is the latest on record, according to the National Weather Service. GreenseasSyracuseThe Weather Channel reports the average first snowfall in Syracuse is Nov. 5. The earliest reported snowfall in the Central New York region is Oct. 1, 1946. Getty ImagesLong IslandThe National Weather Service reports Long Island sees its first measurable snow on Dec. 11. Last year, snow fell for the first time on Dec. 12.

Note: If your hometown wasn’t listed, choose the place closest for a good estimate of the first snowfall date.

Parts Of New York Expected To Deal With Around 100 Inches Of Snow

AccuWeather recently announced that parts of New York State can expect around 100 inches of snow this winter. Areas around New York City should get much less. CLICK HERE to find out more.

Biggest snowfalls recorded in New York historyClick here to view photo gallery

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5 Snowiest Days In New York State History5 Snowiest Days In New York State HistoryHere are the Top 5 snowiest days in New York State history. Gallery Credit: Dave fields Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History42.5 inches – Apalachin, New York – December 17th, 2020 Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History45 inches – Watertown International Airport, December 10th, 1995 Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History47.5 inches – Highmarket, New York January 6th, 1988 Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History47.5 inches – East Aurora, New York November 20th, 2014 Photo Credit: TSM5 Snowiest Days In New York State History50 inches – Camden, New York – February 1st, 1966 How To Stay Safe During ‘Dangerous’ Cold in New YorkHow To Stay Safe During ‘Dangerous’ Cold in New YorkNikolay PonomarenkoFrostbiteTo avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold.If you must go out, try to cover every part of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc. Mittens are better than gloves. Keep your skin dry and stay out of the wind when possible.Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases the blood’s volume, which helps prevent frostbite. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes – caffeine constricts blood vessels and prevents warming of extremities, alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm, and cigarette use shuts off blood flow to your hands.If you suspect frostbite, until you can get indoors, don’t rub or massage cold body parts. Drink warm liquids, put on extra layers of clothes and blankets, and remove rings, watches, and anything tight.Once indoors, don’t walk on a frostbitten foot – you could cause more damage. Get in a warm (NOT hot) bath and wrap face and ears in a moist, warm (NOT hot) towel.
JupiterimagesFrostbiteDon’t get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it’s on fire. You may develop blisters. Don’t break the blisters. It could cause scarring.If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital immediately.
LacheevHypothermiaHypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children and the elderly.
ViktorCapHypothermiaWatch for the following symptoms: inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering.
zoff-photoHypothermiaIf a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately.
ChesiireCatHypothermiaRemove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
ComstockProtecting Water PipesPrevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment, or business by following these steps:
When it’s cold, let cold and hot water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall. Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.If you plan to be away, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).If pipes freeze, make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimizes damage to your home.Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
StockbyteBe “Fire Safe”Buy and carefully maintain a quality smoke and carbon monoxide detector.Inspect your home to eliminate or control fire hazards.Install at least 5-pound A-B-C type fire extinguishers in the home and teach family members how to use them.Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.Hold practice fire drills until all family members are thoroughly familiar with plan.If you have an older home, have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician to make sure it meets current building codes.Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected yearly for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks or mortar and any obstructions.Keep storage areas clean and tidy.Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.Store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. NEVER keep gasoline in the house.Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.
MihailUlianikovBe “Fire Safe”red flame fire texture backgrounds rclassenlayoutsCarbon MonoxideCarbon monoxide is produced anywhere that fuel is burned and is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible killer, and the ONLY safe way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm.Carbon monoxide alarms range in price from $20 to $50 depending on additional features.Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and dizziness.If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area and get to a hospital.
maximkabb187515882Young mother and daughter by a fireplace on Christmas Getty ImagesMaintain and Inspect Home Heating AppliancesSpace Heaters – Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs, and other combustibles. Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters. Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.Stephen Harris/Townsquare Media Hudson ValleyMaintain and Inspect Home Heating AppliancesWood Burning Appliances and Fireplaces – Do not burn trash in the wood stove or fireplace. Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. ThinkstockMaintain and Inspect Home Heating AppliancesFireplaces – Be sure the fire you build fits your fireplace or stove, don’t overload it. Be sure wood stoves are installed at least 36 inches away from the wall. Keep combustible materials well away from the fireplace, stove and chimney. Keep the area around them clean. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace and starting a fire. Never leave a fire unattended.vkyrylMaintain and Inspect Home Heating AppliancesChimneys – Creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.Getty ImagesMaintain and Inspect Home Heating AppliancesFuel Burning Appliances – Inspect the shut off mechanism and wick for proper operation. Fill the tank with fresh fuel. Let the heater cool down before refueling. Adding fuel to a hot heater can start a dangerous fire.Hillary FoxHome Energy Assistance ProgramEligible homeowners and renters may still apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can provide up to $751 depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983 and still qualify for benefits —a modest increase from last year’s threshold. Michael FlippoHome Energy Assistance ProgramThose New Yorkers who have already used up their regular benefit and are now facing disconnection from or an exhaustion of their heating source may apply for an emergency benefit. A home heated with natural gas is eligible for up to $465, while a home using oil, kerosene or propane is eligible for up to $965. hikestersonHome Energy Assistance ProgramAdministered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, applications for HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone, with funding provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of local offices by county can be found here. Residents outside of New York City may also apply online for regular heating assistance benefits. New York City residents may download an application and obtain program information here. Dmitry PistrovHome Energy Assistance ProgramAdditionally, New York State is providing $150 million in federal funding to help low-income households pay heating utility arrears. The one-time payments through the regular arrears supplement can cover all accumulated heating utility arrears up to $10,000 per household, with applications for assistance accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone.
Uladzimir BakunovichHome Energy Assistance ProgramCode BlueUnder state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equals less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure the homeless have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended.
ThinkstockOther Heating Safety TipsMake sure chimneys and vents are checked for blockages, corrosion, and loose connections.Open flues completely when fireplaces are in use.Use proper fuel in space heaters.Never burn charcoal or a barbecue grill inside a home or enclosed space.Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, or vehicleNever leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.Never use the kitchen stove for heating a house.Never run a gas-powered generator in a garage, basement, or near any overhang on the home. Keep it at a distance.
Moussa81916298380Freezing temperatures and cold weather concept with a vintage thermometer surrounded by blue ice showing sub zero temperature with copy space These New York Counties Deal With More Snow Than Most Of AmericaA new study determined the snowiest counties in America. Many counties in New York State made the list, but the results may shock you. CanvaNew York CountyOverall Rank In America: #125Overall Score: 27.00Snowfall Rate: 89Climate Rank: 162CanvaQueens CountyOverall Rank In America: #114Overall Score: 28.14Snowfall Rate: 80Climate Rank: 163CanvaSuffolk CountyOverall Rank In America: #92Overall Score: 30.24Snowfall Rate: 73Climate Rank: 133CanvaMonroe County Overall Rank In America: #48Overall Score: 37.93Snowfall Rate: 41Climate Rank:88CanvaAlbany CountyOverall Rank In America: #30Overall Score: 42.16Snowfall Rate: 27Climate Rank:74CanvaBroome County Overall Rank In America: #22Overall Score: 45.75Snowfall Rate: 19Climate Rank:70CanvaOnondaga CountyOverall Rank In America: #18Overall Score: 47.19Snowfall Rate: 22Climate Rank:79CanvaErie CountyOverall Rank In America: #6Overall Score: 54.51Snowfall Rate: 4Climate Rank:89