Watertown, NY – A band of freezing rain moving south from Ontario is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages to northern New York early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service and Environment Canada, areas along the U.S.-Canada border — including Watertown, Plattsburgh, and St. Lawrence County — could see ice accretions between 5 to 10 millimeters beginning Sunday morning and lasting into the evening. Temperatures will hover around the freezing mark throughout the day, creating a risk of ice build-up on trees, power lines, and roads.
Officials are urging residents to prepare for slippery sidewalks, potential tree damage, and localized power outages. Winds up to 15 km/h (roughly 10 mph) could exacerbate ice-related stress on infrastructure, especially in exposed rural areas.
Travel is expected to become difficult Sunday morning through late evening. Drivers are advised to delay non-essential trips, use winter tires, and keep an emergency kit in their vehicles. Pedestrians should use caution on untreated walkways.
Residents in border-adjacent communities should monitor U.S. and Canadian weather alerts closely, as additional freezing rain warnings may be issued overnight Saturday into early Sunday.
