Albany, NY – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for parts of the southern Adirondacks as the National Weather Service in Albany warns of heavy lake effect snow and gusty winds developing late Thanksgiving Day through Saturday morning.
The watch includes Hamilton and Herkimer counties, with the potential for 7 inches or more of snow, especially in persistent snowbands north of Route 28 and west of Route 30. Winds may gust up to 40 mph, leading to areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Forecasters say snow will begin late Thursday afternoon and continue into early Saturday, with the heaviest snow expected Thursday night through Friday morning. Conditions could quickly deteriorate during this time, making holiday travel hazardous across northern New York.
According to the National Weather Service, visibility may drop below one-quarter mile at times due to falling and blowing snow, especially near the western Adirondacks and towns such as Old Forge, Long Lake, and Wells.
Travelers heading north from the Mohawk Valley or along the Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway should plan for difficult driving conditions and be prepared for rapid changes in weather over short distances.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts at weather.gov/albany, as lake effect snow can vary widely, with some areas seeing heavy accumulation while others remain mostly dry. Officials also recommend keeping emergency kits in vehicles, including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight, in case of delays or road closures.
