Herkimer, NY – A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect for Herkimer and Hamilton counties through early Saturday, with heavy snow and strong winds expected to continue impacting travel across the central Adirondacks.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, snow will persist until 1 a.m. Saturday in northern areas and until 7 a.m. Saturday in southern Herkimer County. Additional accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are forecast overnight, with total snowfall reaching up to 12 inches in the most persistent lake effect bands. Winds are expected to gust as high as 40 mph, creating areas of blowing snow and near-zero visibility at times.
Forecasters warn that travel could be dangerous, especially along the New York State Thruway and secondary mountain routes. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour may occur this evening before tapering off early Saturday morning.
Residents are urged to prepare for rapid changes in visibility and road conditions, as lake effect snow bands can shift quickly. Travelers should keep flashlights, food, and water in their vehicles and check for updates through local forecasts or the New York 511 travel service.
This lake effect event marks a cold and snowy end to the Thanksgiving week, with winter weather settling in across the Adirondack region as December approaches.
