Latest National Weather Service updates as of Friday morning, January 23, 2026
TUG HILL PLATEAU- EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 P.M. THIS EVENING TO 1 P.M. EST SATURDAY NORTH COUNTRY.
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* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero expected North Country.
* WHERE...Jefferson and Lewis Counties.
* WHEN...From 7 P.M. this evening to 1 P.M. EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below zero or colder. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
***WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 P.M. EST FRIDAY; WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING***
* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 8 to 16 inches in the most
persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely.
* WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest additional accumulations from lake effect snow will fall across the Tug Hill Plateau.
* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 7 P.M. EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly.
ONEIDA COUNTY- EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 P.M. FRIDAY TO 10 A.M. EST SATURDAY.
* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.
* WHERE...Northern Oneida County.
* WHEN...From 7 P.M. Friday to 10 A.M. EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
***WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING***
* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations of 1 foot or more possible.
* WHERE...Portions of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact travel on Sunday along with the Monday morning and evening commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At this time, the heaviest snowfall is forecast to be from south-central NY and areas southward into Northeast PA and Catskills. However, further adjustments to the storm track are possible in the coming days. Snowfall could be very heavy at times Sunday through Sunday night with hourly rates exceeding 2 inches per hour.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
OLD FORGE & WESTERN ADIRONDACKS- EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 P.M. FRIDAY TO 1 P.M. EST SATURDAY.
* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 to 35 below expected.
* WHERE...In New York, Herkimer, Hamilton, Fulton, northern Warren, and eastern Rensselaer Counties. In Massachusetts, Berkshire County. In Vermont, Bennington and Windham Counties.
* WHEN...From 7 P.M. Friday to 1 P.M. EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Using non-approved heating devices in your home can lead to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest wind chills are expected in the Adirondack Mountains in New York, and the southern Green Mountains in Vermont.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
***LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 P.M. FRIDAY; WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING***
* WHAT...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 4 to 8 inches under the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 15 inches possible.
* WHERE...Hamilton and Northern Herkimer Counties.
* WHEN...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, until 7 P.M. Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult within lake effect snow bands due to snow covered roads, reduced visibility, and blowing and drifting snow. Dangerous travel possible Sunday into Monday due to snow covered roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake effect snow bands will remain across northern Herkimer and Hamilton Counties through this afternoon before dropping south out of the warning area. In addition, a long duration winter storm is expected Sunday into Monday, which will result in snow covered roadways and reduced visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.
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