Watertown, NY – A wintry mix is set to turn dangerous as freezing rain moves into Jefferson and Lewis counties, threatening hazardous travel and potential power outages through Sunday night.
According to the US National Weather Service in Buffalo, freezing rain will begin Saturday afternoon and continue intermittently through 5 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Ice accumulation of up to 0.10 inches is expected in the impacted counties, especially near the Tug Hill Plateau and along Lake Ontario’s eastern shore. Areas farther north, near the Canadian border, may see slightly higher ice totals reaching 0.25 inches.
Officials warn that road conditions will deteriorate quickly, particularly overnight Saturday into early Sunday. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for slick highways and sidewalks. Emergency management teams recommend keeping flashlights and backup power supplies ready due to the risk of isolated outages.
The freezing rain event marks an unusual late-March weather shift for the region, where snowfall is more typical this time of year. Ice storm alerts remain in effect across the North Country, including towns such as Lowville, Carthage, and Watertown.
Residents should monitor updates and check 511NY for the latest travel conditions.
