Saranac Lake, New York – Drivers across Northern New York could see road conditions deteriorate rapidly Tuesday afternoon as heavy snow rates develop just ahead of the evening commute, creating slick bridges, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel across the North Country.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday for the St. Lawrence Valley and the northern Adirondacks. Snow totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected, with the most intense snowfall occurring between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. During that window, snowfall rates could exceed 1 to 1.5 inches per hour.
The highest impacts are expected across Northern and Southeastern St. Lawrence County, Franklin County, and western portions of Clinton and Essex counties. Routes including I-87, Route 11, Route 3, and Route 30 could become snow-covered quickly, especially during peak travel times. Bridges and overpasses are expected to ice over first as temperatures remain cold.
Communities such as Malone, Massena, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake are likely to see the most significant travel slowdowns Tuesday evening, with lingering slick conditions into the Wednesday morning commute.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and consider delaying non-essential travel during the heaviest snow. Road conditions can be monitored through 511 New York. The advisory remains in effect through early Wednesday, and additional alerts may follow if snowfall rates remain elevated.
