The National weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, effective from Monday at 4 p.m. through Wednesday at 1 p.m. The alert, released at 2:34 p.m. on Saturday, warns residents to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions.
According to the weather service, “Heavy lake effect snow possible. significant accumulations possible in the most persistent lake snows.” This means areas near the lakes could experiance intense snowfall, leading to challenging travel conditions.
“The potential exists for a significant long duration lake effect snow event,” the weather service explains. “There is considerable uncertainty in exact band placement and amounts, but multiple periods of heavy snow are possible. Travel could be very arduous with very poor visibility and deep snow cover on roads.” They also caution that “during lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
Navigating Winter Roads: Expert Tips for Safe travel
Plan Ahead and Share Your itinerary:
Before heading out in winter weather, let someone know your destination, route, and expected arrival time. This simple step can be a lifesaver if conditions take a turn for the worse.
Equip Your Vehicle for Winter:
Make sure your car is winter-ready.Keep your gas tank full and stock up on essentials like a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie snacks.
Stay Calm If You’re Stranded:
If you find yourself stuck, remain calm. Contact someone to inform them of your situation and location. Avoid walking for help in severe weather. Use a cloth tied to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal for assistance, and make your vehicle more visible by turning on the dome light and hazard flashers.
Give Snow Plows Space:
Snow plows are working hard to clear roads, so give them plenty of room.Only pass a plow if you have a clear view of the road ahead and can do so safely.
Check Road Conditions Before You Go:
Always check the latest road conditions before starting your trip. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid dangerous areas.
By following these expert tips from the National Weather Service, you can stay safe on winter roads and reduce the risk of accidents during severe weather.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
What are the potential dangers of lake-effect snow?
Interview with Dr.Emily Carter, Meteorologist and Winter Weather Expert
By Archyde News
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. As a meteorologist with over 15 years of experience, you’ve seen your fair share of winter storms. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, warning of heavy lake-effect snow. Can you explain what lake-effect snow is and why it’s so impactful in these areas?
Dr. carter: Absolutely, and thank you for having me.Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over the relatively warmer waters of a lake, like Lake Ontario in this case. The warm lake water heats the air above it, causing it to rise and pick up moisture. As this moist air moves inland, it cools rapidly, leading to intense snowfall. In regions like Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, wich are downwind of lake Ontario, this phenomenon can produce significant snow accumulations in a short period.
Archyde: The weather service has mentioned that this could be a “significant long-duration lake-effect snow event.” what does that mean for residents in these areas?
Dr. Carter: A long-duration event means the snowfall won’t be a one-time occurrence but rather multiple waves of heavy snow over several days.In this case, the storm is expected to last from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Residents should prepare for possibly deep snow accumulations, especially in areas where the snow bands persist.This could lead to very challenging travel conditions, with poor visibility and snow-covered roads.
Archyde: The weather service also noted that there’s “considerable uncertainty in exact band placement and amounts.” Why is it so arduous to predict where the heaviest snow will fall?
Dr. Carter: Lake-effect snow is notoriously tricky to forecast because it’s highly localized. The snow bands can be very narrow—sometimes just a few miles wide—but extremely intense. A small shift in wind direction or speed can move these bands significantly, meaning one town might get buried under several feet of snow while a neighboring town sees much less. This variability makes it challenging to pinpoint exact totals and locations until the event is underway.
archyde: What advice would you give to residents in the affected areas to prepare for this storm?
Dr. Carter: First and foremost, stay informed. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities. If you don’t need to travel, stay home. If you must go out, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready—check your tires, keep your gas tank full, and pack an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, and a flashlight.At home, ensure you have enough supplies to last a few days in case of power outages or blocked roads. And don’t forget to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those who may need extra assistance.
Archyde: The weather service also warned about rapid changes in weather and visibility. How can people stay safe if they’re caught in these conditions?
Dr. Carter: Rapid changes are a hallmark of lake-effect snow. One moment, you might be driving in clear conditions, and the next, you’re in a whiteout. If you’re on the road and visibility drops, slow down, turn on your headlights, and increase your following distance. If conditions become too dangerous, pull over safely and wait for the storm to pass. It’s also crucial to dress in layers if you’re outside,as temperatures can drop quickly,and wind chills can make it feel much colder.
Archyde: what makes this storm especially noteworthy compared to other winter events we’ve seen in recent years?
Dr. Carter: The combination of duration and intensity is what sets this storm apart.While we often see lake-effect snow in this region, a multi-day event with the potential for significant accumulations is less common. Additionally, the uncertainty in band placement means that some areas could experience historic snowfall totals, while others may see less. It’s a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable winter weather can be, especially in regions near the Great Lakes.
Archyde: thank you,dr. Carter, for your insights and expertise. Stay safe, everyone, and be sure to follow local advisories as this storm unfolds.
Dr. Carter: Thank you, and I echo that—safety first. Let’s all be prepared and look out for one another during this event.
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This interview was conducted by Archyde News to provide expert analysis on the upcoming winter storm.For real-time updates, visit the National Weather Service website or follow local news outlets.
