PLATTSBURGH — Weather forecasts call for heavy snowfall in the western part of the North Country, but local officials are hoping people are ready just in case it heads toward the Champlain Valley.
“The first big snowfall is always a bit of a learning curve,” Clinton County Emergency Services Director Eric Day said Friday.
“People need to remember to leave a little earlier than usual when they are going somewhere, drive slower and watch out for ice.”
FOUR TO SIX FEET
Weather forecasts were calling for four to six feet of snow accumulation possible with snowfall rates of two to four inches per hour in some portions of the western and southwestern parts of the state.
More than 100 National Guard members were staged in Western New York prepared to help communities east of Lakes Erie and Ontario dig out if necessary.
The heaviest snowfall was forecast to occur Friday evening through Saturday morning, particularly in the higher elevations in the Western New York and North Country Regions, with an additional period of heavy snow possible on Sunday, the state was predicting.
“As lake effect snow moves into parts of Western New York, Central New York and the North Country, we are monitoring the situation closely and mobilizing resources to respond,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
“Alongside our partners in local government, we are taking every step necessary to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
Snow is forecast to fall steadily all weekend, including before, during and after the Buffalo Bills game on Sunday. Four to five feet of snow is anticipated along eastern Lake Ontario with a possibility for up to six feet in the Watertown area, the state said.
Lake effect snow showers are expected to stay in the North Country Sunday, with Central New York remaining mostly dry until Sunday evening where the band is expected to move south and remain through Monday providing additional light accumulations of one to three inches through the Central New York region.
The state warned that, “Hazardous to impossible travel conditions are expected on Friday through Monday due to snow covered roads and reduced visibilities. Wind gusts will likely cause blowing and drifting snow, and isolated power outages. Snow will accumulate rapidly in persistent snow bands, and visibility will be drastically reduced with near whiteout conditions.”
TEAMS READY
State Department of Transportation forces were ready to go with 3,527 supervisors and operators available statewide.
Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:
1,635 large plow trucks
339 large loaders
150 medium duty plows
51 tow plows
35 snow blowers
18 graders
Day said he and assistant Kelly Donoghue attended the Clinton County Highway Superintendent’s Association meeting last week and area Highway Departments are prepared for winter.
“Everyone’s trucks are suited up with plows and wings and some like Schuyler Falls have already been out sanding,” Day said.
Day said area drivers should consider putting snow tires on their vehicles and have emergency stores on hand.
“Have your cars prepared. Snow brush, scraper, blankets, extra shoes and clothes and things like that,” he said.
In addition to those items, the state also recommends motorists have a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
DEC WARNINGS
The state Department of Environmental Conservation was also warning those who may consider outdoor activity in the region such as hiking, to take extra precautions.
“DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to rain, snow and high winds, including swift water rescue teams and sawyers,” a statement said.
Additionally, unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas can create variable conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and cold to ensure a safe winter experience, the state said.
Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Lower elevation trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice and slush, including many of the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy trail conditions exist.
The state also said that it is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating.
Parts of western Clinton County in the higher elevations received about an inch or two of snow on Thursday, but the area was not expected to be hit as hard as the Watertown area could be.
Day said winter is here and snow storms are part of it that people are used to.
“But hopefully not this weekend,” he said.