A messy mix of rain, sleet and snow is about to fall over the Berkshires, covering the last days of 2019 in an icy sheet that may make travel "impossible," according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS office in Albany, N.Y., has posted an ice storm warning for the Berkshires and northern Connecticut from 5 p.m. Sunday into 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Significant icing is expected from freezing rain, especially after midnight Sunday night. This icing may cause power outages from tree damage and travel "could be impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes," according to the NWS.
The freezing rain could mix with some sleet late Monday into Monday evening.
A winter storm warning is also in effect from 5 p.m. Sunday and into Tuesday at 1 p.m. for eastern New York and Southern Vermont. Heavy mixed precipitation expected. The storm could bring total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a quarter to a half of an inch. Winds may gust as high as 35 mph.
Snow, sleet and ice accumulations will vary from location to location because of the variations in different precipitation types and the times they arrive over the region.
Accuweather says a warm wedge of air below New England means springlike temperatures for the mid-Atlantic coast. But it means a range of precipitation when hits the cold air hovering over Upstate New York and New England.
"Should the warm air race in a few thousand feet above the ground, then little snow, on the order of a few inches or less, will fall," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "Should the cold air resist this warm wedge, then parts of central and northern New England could be buried under a foot of snow or more."
The good news is that January is expected to be warmer than normal across the Northeast with temperatures rising in time for the ball drop on New Year's Eve.
What to expect.....
Right now heaviest ice buildup is expected in the Higher spots west and in the Mohawk Valley....and across Higher Elevations of Western New England. Ice may accumulate over 1/2".....this will cause power outages so be prepared. pic.twitter.com/9NGqQe6WFI
Dangerous travel conditions are expected in the Northern Plains today from a winter storm which could also produce damaging ice accumulations in parts of the interior Northeast on Monday: https://t.co/4itrRLcKgvpic.twitter.com/6HBOAVYBs0
Although a westerly breeze will make the RealFeel Temperatures® feel cooler, quiet and settled conditions are expected in New York City as revelers celebrate the coming of a new year: https://t.co/Pvgl5lXxeIpic.twitter.com/14Tl2qH16A
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Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.
"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.
The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.
Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.
The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety.
"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation. click for more
The Water Department has been responding to multiple water line breaks throughout the city since Friday, causing temporary loss of water in some areas. click for more
Nearly a year of study and community input about the deteriorating Veterans Memorial Bridge has resulted in one recommendation: Take it down. click for more
The new thrift and consignment shop on Marshall Street is a little bit "Punky" with an eclectic mix of shiny, vintage and eccentric curated items. click for more
