Watertown, NY – A Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued for Jefferson and Lewis counties in northern New York, where forecasters expect heavy snow and gusty winds heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. The warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Meteorologists predict 6 to 12 inches of snow, with the heaviest totals across the Tug Hill Plateau. Lower elevations near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River will see lighter amounts, but winds gusting up to 50 mph will create blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.
The strongest snowbands are expected Thursday through Friday, coinciding with peak Thanksgiving travel. Drivers on Interstate 81 and regional highways should expect snow-covered roads, whiteouts, and downed tree limbs in the windiest areas.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could become very difficult to impossible at times and advises residents to delay nonessential trips during the height of the storm. Power outages are possible due to gusty winds and heavy, wet snow.
Travelers are urged to prepare emergency kits with food, water, blankets, and flashlights and to monitor local weather updates for real-time changes as lake effect snowbands shift.
