Mother Nature Delivers Flooding and Icy Roads for Christmas in Central New York

Mother Nature is bringing flooding and icy road conditions for Christmas in central New York.

The National Weather Service says a storm system is expected to bring warm temperatures and a soaking rain Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. "Combined snowmelt and rain could lead to ponding of water on roads in poor drainage areas."

Much colder air will move in for Christmas day, causing wet surfaces to freeze. This may result in icy roads on Christmas day with a potential of black ice.

Light showers are expected Thursday morning, followed by a long period of steady, moderate to heavy rain Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. "The combination of strong south winds, high humidity & temperatures and rainfall will create favorable conditions for rapid snow melt and lead to a heightened potential for flooding."

Total rainfall expected to be a widespread 1 to 2″ with localized amounts up to 3″ in the Poconos, Catskills and Alleghany Plateau.

Strong southeast winds of 15-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph Thursday and Thursday night could cause scattered power outages and tree damage.

Christmas Eve: Rain, mainly after 1pm. High near 50. Southeast wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Christmas Eve Night: Rain. Low around 40. Southeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Christmas Day: Rain likely before 10am, then rain and snow showers likely between 10am and noon, then snow showers likely after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 43. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.