Watertown, NY – Lake-effect snow will continue to hammer portions of northern New York tonight, creating hazardous post-holiday travel conditions before the band gradually weakens and shifts south on Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, lake-effect snow will persist through Thursday night, with upslope snow showers continuing through Friday. The heaviest snowfall is expected overnight tonight, when localized bands could produce 1.5 inches per hour, dramatically reducing visibility to below ¼ mile at times.
Forecast maps show the strongest lake-effect band targeting areas west of the Adirondacks, including Cranberry Lake, Old Forge, Rome, Lowville, Little Falls, and Watertown, where totals may climb to 6–8 inches by Friday evening. Surrounding communities such as Potsdam, Malone, Saranac Lake, Newcomb, and Tupper Lake are projected to receive 2–4 inches, with lighter accumulations extending into Vermont.
The NWS warns that travel will be treacherous within the lake-effect band, especially tonight. Strong winds gusting 30–40 mph may produce blowing and drifting snow, increasing the risk of slick roads and localized power outages. Holiday travelers moving through I-81 and nearby state routes should exercise caution and prepare for abrupt weather changes.
A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday for southeastern St. Lawrence County, where the most persistent snowfall is likely. A Winter Weather Advisory continues for southwestern St. Lawrence and southern Franklin counties through the same period.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and allow extra time for travel both tonight and Friday morning as snow bands shift southward.
