An intense area of low pressure moved into the Great Lakes region on the evening of Thursday, December 20th.  The storm's warm front extended into the Northeastern United States.  Light precipitation occurred across the eastern New York during the overnight hours, with mainly rain for valley areas and light snow and mixed precipitation across the higher elevations.
As the storm lifted into southern Canada, the storm's cold front approached the region on the morning of Friday, December 21st. Very strong east to southeast winds were present aloft ahead of this front as it moved towards eastern New York State.  A few breaks in the clouds allowed for some of these strong winds to reach the surface across the Taconics and eastern portions of the Hudson Valley.  Damage to trees and power lines occurred, mainly across portions of the Rensselaer, Columbia and Dutchess counties.  Measured winds gusts reached up to 62 mph in Rensselaer County.  These winds even caused some roof damage to a school in East Greenbush.  The strong winds also caused scattered power outages, especially across the Taconic Region with 14,375 customers reported without power in Rensselaer County due to high winds, 3,782 customers in Columbia County and 1,175 customers in Dutchess County.
In addition, heavy rainfall associated with the front allowed for some minor river flooding across portions of the eastern Catskills.  With the strong east-southeast flow, some minor tidal flooding occurred along the Hudson River which backed up into the Rondout Creek.  The river and tidal flooding subsided by Friday afternoon.
The threat for heavy rain and strong winds ended with the passage of the cold front by midday on Friday the 21st.  Winds switched to a westerly direction at lower speeds for the afternoon hours.

High Wind in EASTERN ALBANY, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 09:48:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

A tree was reported down and on multiple power lines in Cohoes due to high winds.

High Wind in WESTERN COLUMBIA, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 11:00:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees and wires were reported down in Chatham and Ghent due to high winds.

Storm Surge/Tide in EASTERN ULSTER, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 07:00:00 to 21-DEC-12 11:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Tidal flooding along the Hudson River backed up into the Rondout Creek and caused flooding on Creeks Locks Road in Rosendale.

High Wind in EASTERN ULSTER, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 05:30:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees and wires were reported down due to high winds on Glasco Turnpike near Woodstock.

High Wind in WESTERN RENSSELAER, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 07:20:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Widespread trees and power lines were reported down due to high winds in Averill Park, West Sand Lake, Sand Lake, East Greenbush, Wyantskill, Raymertown,  Pleasantdale, Eastmor, Valley Falls, Schodack, Speigletown, Eagle Mills, Haynersville, Reynolds, North Greenbush, Defreestville, Grant Hollow, Factory Hollow, Troy and Sycaway.  The roof of Goff Middle School located at 35 Gilligan Road in East Greenbush was reported to have been blown off due to high winds and the school was evacuated. Route 66 from Route 43 to Old Route 66 in Sand Lake was reportedly closed to due to fallen trees. A propane tank was overturned due to high winds in Eastmor.

High Wind in NORTHERN SARATOGA, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 11:22:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A tree was reported to be down and on a car due to high winds on Interstate 87 near mile marker 29.9 near Saratoga Springs.

High Wind in SOUTHERN SARATOGA, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 11:18:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Trees and wires were reported down in Stillwater due to high winds.

High Wind in EASTERN RENSSELAER, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 10:30:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Trees were reported down and on power lines 2 miles south of East Grafton due to high winds.

High Wind in WESTERN RENSSELAER, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 09:42:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: Mesonet

A wind gust was clocked at 59 mph in Eagle Mills at 9:42 AM EST.

High Wind in EASTERN COLUMBIA, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 07:19:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees, wires and utility poles were reported down due to high winds in Austerlitz, Old Chatham, Ancram, Canaan, Copake and New Lebanon.

High Wind in WESTERN DUTCHESS, NEW YORK
From 21-DEC-12 07:32:00 to 21-DEC-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Two trees were reported down due to high winds in East Fishkill.  Phillips Roads was closed due to a downed tree.