Old Forge, New York – Relentless winter weather continues to batter northern Herkimer County, with hazardous travel and bitter cold persisting through early Wednesday and another round of heavy snow possible into Thursday. Lake effect snow has already created dangerous conditions, and impacts are expected to extend well beyond the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until early Wednesday morning for northern Herkimer County due to ongoing lake effect snow. An additional 2 to 4 inches of accumulation is expected overnight, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile at times as snow bands move across the region. Wind chills are falling between 5 below and 15 below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite.
A Winter Storm Watch then takes effect Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon as another system moves in. Snow totals of 5 to 9 inches are possible, with the highest amounts along the south-facing slopes of the southwest Adirondacks. Snowfall rates may again reach 1 inch per hour, particularly Wednesday evening.
Communities including Old Forge, Big Moose, Eagle Bay, McKeever, and areas north of Route 28 are most vulnerable to rapidly changing conditions. Roads, bridges, and overpasses are expected to remain slick, making travel difficult.
Officials urge residents to limit travel, carry emergency supplies if driving is unavoidable, and dress in layers when outdoors. Additional warnings may be issued as confidence increases, and hazardous conditions are expected to persist through Thursday afternoon.
