The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory on Tuesday, effective from 4 p.m. that day until 4 p.m. Wednesday, covering St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Clinton counties. Snowfall totals of 3 to 7 inches, with localized higher amounts, and wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected.
KENA BETANCUR/AFP/METSUL METEOROLOGY
The advisory highlights significant elevation-dependent snowfall, with peak snow rates predicted between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday. Travel may be difficult due to blowing snow, reducing visibility to below a mile at times, and hazardous conditions could impact Wednesday morning commutes. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and reduce speed.
To navigate winter weather safely, the National Weather Service offers several recommendations. Over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and 480,000 injuries occur annually due to treacherous conditions. Slow driving is essential, especially in near-freezing temperatures, where icy patches may form on roadways. Be vigilant about ice accumulation on power lines and trees, which can lead to hazards like falling branches. Avoid travel if possible, and if necessary, stick to routes with fewer obstacles.
Inform family or friends of your destination, route, and expected arrival time when traveling in severe weather. Ensure your gas tank is full and carry essential supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, warm clothing, water, and non-perishable food.
If stranded, remain calm, stay in your vehicle, and inform someone of your location. Signal for help by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror and making your vehicle visible with the dome light and flashers. Give snow plows plenty of space and only pass when the road ahead is visible and clear.
Governor Kathy Hochul has urged New York residents to exercise caution as significant lake-effect snowfall is expected to impact upstate regions through Wednesday. The governor issued the update on Sunday, warning of substantial snow accumulations and urging residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor local forecasts.
Several areas, including western New York, central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the North Country, could see up to 18 inches of snow. Regions east of Lake Ontario are expected to accumulate as much as 2 feet of snow by the weekend. The heaviest snowfall is forecast for areas south of Buffalo and Watertown.
Governor Hochul highlighted the potential for high wind gusts on Tuesday, which may lead to blowing and drifting snow, resulting in whiteout conditions. She emphasized the importance of preparedness, noting that state resources are being deployed to support residents and manage the evolving weather situation.
The National Weather Service has issued a lake-effect snow warning for Northern Oneida, effective through Wednesday morning. Additionally, eastern New York is under a winter storm warning for the same period.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant, prepare for potential power outages caused by downed tree branches, and avoid traveling unless necessary, particularly in areas forecast to experience the heaviest snow and hazardous conditions.
