NWS: Winter Storm Watch for Jefferson and Lewis Counties Friday afternoon through Monday

JEFFERSON & LEWIS COUNTIES: WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING.

* WHAT...A rapid switch from rain to snow with sharply falling temperatures into the teens will result in a flash freeze Friday afternoon. From Friday night through most of the weekend, strong winds, heavy lake effect snow and significant blowing and drifting snow will be possible. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph Friday. Localized blizzard conditions will be possible with gusts to 50 mph Friday night and Saturday.

* WHERE...Jefferson and Lewis counties.

* WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Monday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel for the holiday weekend could be very difficult to impossible at times, especially for northern parts of both counties. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility with whiteouts and localized blizzard conditions possible. The most persistent and worst conditions will be where lake effect snow is most widespread, which is still uncertain at this time. Winds this strong could cause tree damage and power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult to impossible at times during the holiday weekend, so plan accordingly.

Image via the National Weather Service.