Will Sunday’s snow storm be extraordinarily bad in Albany? Quite possibly. 

Here is why I think it possible that the snowstorm will put a strain on the city’s capacity to remove snow:

– Some models are predicting Albany will get 13-17 inches of snow. While not record breaking it will be still one of larger snowfalls recorded in Albany area.

– Albany received close to a foot of snow in parts of the city over the past few days. While a lot of that snow has hauled to snow dumping grounds in the city, there are still snowbanks throughout the city that plows will be pushing heavy wet snow on top of. 

– Having snow last night along with the big storm on Wednesday means there was inevitable snowplow breakdowns and equipment taken out of service for repairs and maintenance. 

– The snow will be heavy and wet. Freezing rain may mix in. This will put a lot of strain on equipment, breaking and bending plows and damaging suspension components. Some motors on plow trucks may overheat and fail.

-While Tuesday through Friday may get warm enough to assist with melting for treated surfaces, not a lot of sun is expected next week and the temperature will remain around freezing. Don’t expect a lot of melting. 

Not all these factors may come true but this a snow storm to watch and be prepared for severe traffic and transit delays and slick roads throughout the week.