Watertown, New York – Mixed precipitation is creating slick roads across the eastern Lake Ontario region this afternoon, with heavier snow and localized icing expected through 7 a.m. EST Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties. Snow and sleet will transition to all snow this evening, with 3 to 5 inches expected across the Tug Hill Plateau and 1 to 2 inches elsewhere. Ice accumulations of a few hundredths of an inch are likely, with up to 0.10 inch possible near the St. Lawrence River.
Bridges and overpasses will become slick first.
Travel along Interstate 81 near Watertown, Route 12 across the Tug Hill and Route 11 closer to the St. Lawrence River may become hazardous during the evening commute. Snowfall will intensify after sunset, reducing visibility in heavier bursts.
Ice accumulation may peak before the changeover to snow.
Communities including Oswego, Lowville and Watertown should prepare for deteriorating road conditions overnight.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and check 511NY for updated road conditions before traveling.
Snow tapers toward daybreak Saturday, but slick spots may persist into early morning. The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. EST Saturday.
