Buffalo, NY – A powerful winter storm is bringing heavy snow, ice, and strong winds to Jefferson and Lewis counties, making travel hazardous and threatening power outages through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Jefferson County will see 6 to 12 inches of snow and up to three-tenths of an inch of ice through 1 a.m. Monday, with winds gusting to 45 mph Sunday afternoon and night. Lewis County faces 6 to 11 inches of snow and up to half an inch of ice by Monday, with an additional 9 to 18 inches of lake-effect snow possible through late Tuesday night.
Officials warn that ice buildup and strong winds may cause power outages and tree damage. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will be slick, and visibility will be reduced due to blowing snow. The Monday morning and evening commutes could be severely impacted.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, keep emergency supplies on hand, and report snow and ice conditions to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts up to 50 mph could create near-whiteout conditions in Lewis County, making travel nearly impossible at times.
