Major Winter Storm Expected Sunday, Officials Urge Residents To Stay Off Roads

By Yisroel R.

A major winter storm is expected to impact Rockland County beginning early Sunday and continuing into Monday afternoon, with snowfall totals projected to average 12 to 15 inches, and locally higher amounts of up to 15 to 18 inches possible in some areas, according to town and village officials.

Fred Brinn, the Town of Ramapo Highway Superintendent, said snow could move into the area as early as 5–6 a.m. Sunday and linger as late as 12–1 p.m. Monday. The highest snowfall rates are expected between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, when snow may fall at rates of 0.75 to 1 inch per hour or higher for brief periods, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Brinn said the Highway Department, along with the Town’s Central Garage, has spent the past several days inspecting all equipment, adding that all trucks are operational and ready for the storm.

Officials are strongly urging residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, warning that travel could become extremely dangerous due to heavy snowfall and periods of limited visibility. Brinn said there will be times during the storm when visibility is significantly reduced, and residents are urged not to risk unnecessary travel.

Town Supervisor Michael Specht also urged residents to prepare ahead of time, noting that snow is expected to begin Sunday afternoon, potentially reaching up to 12 inches by Sunday evening, before continuing overnight into Monday afternoon. Specht reminded residents that town law in unincorporated Ramapo prohibits street parking when snow is forecast, and said Ramapo Police will issue tickets to vehicles parked unlawfully on the street, with cars that obstruct snow removal subject to towing.

In Spring Valley, Mayor Schenley Vital said the forecast is projecting a serious winter storm not seen in over 20 years, and confirmed that the village is prepared to deploy all available resources to ensure public safety. Vital urged residents to keep vehicles off the streets and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary so Department of Public Works crews can operate safely and efficiently.

Emergency response agencies are also preparing for the storm. Rockland County Hatzoloh coordinator told Rockland Daily that members are ready to respond as needed throughout the storm, while reminding residents that avoiding unnecessary travel will help ensure first responders can reach emergencies without delay.

Officials across Rockland County continue to stress that cooperation from residents will be critical as the storm approaches, urging families to secure food and emergency supplies ahead of time and to remain off the roads once snowfall begins.