Burlington, VT – Parts of northern New York are preparing for hazardous conditions this evening as a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow is expected to move across the region, creating slippery roads and reduced visibility during peak travel hours.
The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 4 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, with potential impacts described in a recent update shared through their forecast discussion. Ice totals may reach up to 0.2 inches, with around one inch of snow possible in several communities.
Winter Weather Advisory and Expected Ice Accumulation
The advisory covers Northern St. Lawrence, Northern Franklin, Southern Franklin, Western Clinton, and Western Essex counties, areas historically susceptible to quick icing when temperatures dip around dusk.
Communities such as Saranac Lake, Malone, Massena, Tupper Lake, Dannemora, Newcomb, Lake Placid, Fort Covington, Norfolk, and Ellenburg are expected to see the first signs of freezing precipitation shortly after sunset.
According to the NWS, mixed precipitation will begin late this afternoon, gradually shifting toward freezing rain as cold air settles over the surface. A recent NWS bulletin explains that even small amounts of ice can create dangerous, glassy roadways.
Travel Hazards for Evening Commuters
Drivers across the North Country should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, especially in the Adirondack region. The combination of freezing rain and falling temperatures may produce icy patches that are difficult to spot.
Higher elevations and shaded roadways are expected to ice first, with forecasters warning that surfaces may look merely wet while actually coated in a thin layer of glaze.
Motorists are advised to:
- Reduce speed and increase following distance
- Use caution on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces
These recommendations reflect the NWS guidance shared in their advisory, which emphasises that even 0.1 inches of ice can significantly increase crash risk.
Communities Most Affected by the Icy Mix
Weather models show the west-central Adirondacks taking the brunt of the icing, particularly areas along Route 30, Route 3, and rural backroads near Lake Placid, Newcomb, and Tupper Lake.
Residents in Malone, Massena, and surrounding communities may also see disruptions to early evening travel, including slippery sidewalks, frozen steps, and hazardous driveways.
A local forecaster noted in an NWS update:
“Temperatures will fall quickly after sunset. Any untreated surface could glaze over within minutes once precipitation begins.”
Where to Check Road Conditions
Travelers can check real-time route conditions on state traffic websites, including 511ny.org for New York and newengland511.org for nearby Vermont commuters who may be crossing state lines this evening.
Transportation agencies are monitoring the system, but light icing events often create scattered slippery spots before crews can fully treat all surfaces.
Expected Improvement After Midnight
Forecasters anticipate conditions improving after midnight, once precipitation tapers off and temperatures stabilise. Road surfaces may remain slick into early Sunday, but widespread travel hazards should diminish by daybreak.
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