Herkimer, NY – A strong lake effect snow setup is bringing hazardous winter conditions to parts of the central Adirondacks, with a Lake Effect Snow Warning remaining in place for Herkimer and Hamilton counties until early Saturday morning. Forecasters say heavy snow, strong winds, and blowing snow will continue to impact travel through the overnight hours.
Weather overview
The National Weather Service in Albany reports that snow will continue into the early morning, with northern sections expected to see snowfall through 1 a.m. Saturday and southern Herkimer County experiencing lake effect bands until around 7 a.m. Overnight accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are likely, with storm totals reaching up to 12 inches where the most persistent bands linger. Winds may gust up to 40 mph, producing areas of drifting snow and near-zero visibility.
Timing and expected impacts
Forecasters warn that snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour this evening, making travel difficult on both primary and secondary roads. Routes across the central Adirondacks, including stretches of the New York State Thruway and mountain passes, may experience rapidly changing conditions as bands shift.
Drivers are urged to use caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra travel time. Sudden whiteout conditions remain possible, especially in open areas and higher elevations.
Advisory details from the National Weather Service
The Lake Effect Snow Warning covers Herkimer and Hamilton counties, where cold air flowing over Lake Ontario continues to fuel narrow yet intense snow bands.
A briefing from the National Weather Service notes that these bands may fluctuate throughout the evening, creating unpredictable bursts of heavy snow.
“Visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less in the heaviest lake effect bands,” the agency said in its guidance.
The advisory can be viewed through the local NWS Albany office’s update, which outlines hazard timing and estimated totals.
Why this event is dangerous
Lake effect snow is known for its sudden shifts, localized intensity, and ability to produce heavy accumulation in short periods. These storms often vary greatly from one mile to the next, catching travelers off guard. Combined with strong winds expected overnight, the region will face:
- Rapid visibility drops
- Slippery and snow-covered roads
- Hazardous mountain driving
- Increased chances of spinouts or stuck vehicles
Officials recommend keeping emergency supplies — blankets, flashlights, food, and water — inside your vehicle in case of delays.
Regional context heading into December
This latest event brings a cold, snowy close to Thanksgiving week, signaling an early start to winter across the Adirondacks. With temperatures dropping and winds increasing, communities in Herkimer and Hamilton counties are likely to see lingering impacts even after snow bands weaken Saturday morning.
What residents should do now
Local emergency officials recommend:
- Checking New York 511 for live travel updates
- Monitoring local forecasts
- Avoiding unnecessary travel overnight
- Clearing walkways and vehicles early before snow refreezes
- Preparing for additional winter events as December approaches
Conclusion
With heavy snow and strong winds continuing into early Saturday, the central Adirondacks will face challenging travel and reduced visibility throughout the night. Residents and travelers should remain alert, stay updated on forecasts, and take precautions as shifting lake effect bands move across the region.
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