Albany, NY – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Herkimer County as a strong lake-effect snow event targets the western Adirondacks and the Mohawk Valley late this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Albany office.
According to forecasters, the arrival of a strong cold front Wednesday night will create conditions favorable for intense lake-effect snow bands. Snow is expected to develop Thursday afternoon through Friday night, with the heaviest totals likely within persistent bands that drop south from the western Adirondacks into the Mohawk Valley.
Forecast confidence is highest in Herkimer County, where the NWS notes an elevated probability of 7 to 10 inches of snow, especially across northern portions of the county. The Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Saturday, and could expand into neighboring Hamilton County if confidence increases.
Wind gusts of 35–40 mph may accompany the snow, reducing visibility, drifting snow across roadways, and creating hazardous travel—particularly during the Thanksgiving travel period. NWS Albany warns that travel both Thanksgiving Day and Friday may be impacted where the heaviest lake-effect bands set up.
Forecasters highlight several challenges, including the precise timing of when the snow band will drop south into the Mohawk Valley, how long it remains over the New York State Thruway corridor, and where the highest totals ultimately occur. Small shifts in wind direction could significantly change snowfall amounts.
Residents traveling across Herkimer County, the Mohawk Valley, and the western Adirondacks late this week should monitor updated forecasts closely as details are refined.
