Watertown, NY – Blinding snow and dangerous whiteout conditions are hammering Northern New York this afternoon, as a powerful lake effect snow band stalls over I-81 and the Tug Hill Plateau. Travel across Jefferson, Oswego, and Lewis counties remains treacherous, with visibility dropping to near zero in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the snow band is producing intense snowfall rates and gusty winds up to 40 mph, leading to blowing and drifting snow along the I-81 corridor. Road conditions have deteriorated rapidly between Pulaski and Adams, where traffic cameras show near-zero visibility and snow-covered lanes.
The heaviest snow is expected to persist through the late afternoon, gradually lifting northward toward Watertown by this evening. While snowfall intensity may decrease after sunset, strong winds will continue to whip snow across open roadways, prolonging hazardous driving conditions well into tonight.
Travel is strongly discouraged this afternoon along exposed highways and rural roads east of Lake Ontario. If travel is unavoidable, drivers should prepare for sudden whiteouts and unplowed stretches.
Lake effect snow warnings remain in effect through tonight, with additional advisories possible if winds shift or the snow band restrengthens overnight.
