Winter Storm Update – Columbia County

Winter Storm Update – Columbia County

January 23, 2026 2:00PM

 Columbia County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has participated in a New York State regional Winter Storm Call with the National Weather Service, NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (DHSES), county emergency managers, and other storm response agencies. The following information is provided to Columbia County residents:

• A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for our area for snow beginning at 7AM on Sunday January 25 to Monday January 26 at 7PM.

• The NYS Governor has declared a State of Emergency to allow staging of state resources ahead of and during the storm.

• Heavy snowfall and prolonged frigid conditions are expected from Sunday, January 25, through Monday, January 26.

• Snowfall totals of 12–18 inches are forecast, with locally higher amounts possible.

• Snowfall rates may reach up to 2 inches per hour from Sunday into Monday.

• Due to very cold temperatures, snowfall is expected to be light and fluffy, which should reduce the risk of widespread power outages. However, power outages are still possible, and residents should be prepared. Utility companies are staging resources, but restoration times may be longer due to snowfall amounts.

Travel Advisory - As conditions worsen and travel becomes hazardous:

• Avoid travel if possible to allow highway crews to safely clear roads.

• Expect road closures and significant delays.

• If travel is unavoidable:

o  Clear all snow from your vehicle before driving

o  Drive slowly and do not use cruise control

o  Leave extra distance between vehicles

o  Do not crowd snowplows

o  Remember: roads may be slick even if they appear wet

 If conditions warrant, a County State of Emergency may be declared, potentially limiting travel in parts or all of Columbia County.

Emergency Services - Emergency responders will continue to operate during the storm; however, response times may be delayed due to heavy snowfall and road conditions.

Warming Centers - If warming centers are opened by local communities, times and locations along with additional storm related information will be posted and updated as received on the Columbia County OEM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/columbiacountyemergencymanagementoffice

Generator Safety - NEVER use a generator inside or too close to your residence where exhaust/carbon monoxide fumes/gas may build up – more info on Generator safety at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/generator

More Winter Storm Safety tips: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/winter