Winter Makes a Comeback: Rockland Sees Up to 17 Inches of Snow

By Y.M. Lowy

Rockland County was hit with a significant winter storm this weekend, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures across the area after several relatively mild winters.

Residents prepared ahead of the storm, stocking up on essentials, heating their homes, and readying shovels and snowblowers. As snowfall intensified, schools and chedarim announced closures, and road conditions quickly became hazardous throughout the county.

By the time the storm moved out, parts of Rockland saw substantial snowfall totals. New City recorded the highest accumulation at 17.6 inches, followed by Monsey with 15.5 inches. Other reported totals included 14.2 inches one mile east-northeast of Congers, 13.5 inches in Thiells, 13.0 inches one mile south of Monsey, 12.5 inches one mile south-southwest of Congers, 12.2 inches in Nyack, and 11.0 inches in Valley Cottage.

For many residents, this marked the most snow Rockland County has seen in years. As of early this morning, snowfall had tapered off to light flurries. 

The Ramapo Highway Department made significant progress overnight, including clearing Route 59, though many side streets across the town are still being actively cleared. 

Town officials also reported a busy response period during the storm, handling more than 230 calls on Sunday, including dozens of snow-related parking complaints, along with car accidents, fires, and medical emergencies. Since midnight, an additional 70 calls were logged, with extended response times due to storm conditions and extra officers deployed overnight to maintain public safety.

As temperatures remain below freezing, residents are urged to use caution on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, and to watch for areas where melting snow may refreeze.