Weather
New York Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Storm Danger
Albany, NY – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across New York. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-27T07:46:10.355Z
Albany, NY – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across New York. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents statewide are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose two serious threats during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread power outages.
Drivers traveling Interstate 90, Interstate 87, Interstate 81 and Interstate 86 should exercise extreme caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly across western New York, the Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Adirondacks and Hudson Valley.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another dangerous winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing rapid flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase this risk, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Mohawk, Hudson, Susquehanna, Genesee and Black rivers can face ice jam flooding during winter warmups.
How New York Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official weather alerts and river conditions through the NWS Albany office , NWS Buffalo office and NWS Binghamton office , which serve different portions of New York.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.