NY weather: Weather alert issued for lake effect snow in New York early Friday morning

Key Takeaways:

• The National Weather Service issued a lake effect snow alert at 3:05 a.m. on Friday.
• Several New York counties, including Albany and Schenectady, are affected.
• A snow band is moving southeast at 15 MPH, impacting specific locations.
• Key highways like Interstate 88 and Interstate 87 are impacted.
• The NWS warns of rapidly deteriorating conditions and advises caution.

Lake Effect Snow Prompts Early Morning Alert in New York

National Weather Service Warns of Rapidly Deteriorating Conditions

By TIME Magazine Contributor

Urgent Weather Alert Issued

Early Friday morning at 3:05 a.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an urgent alert for lake effect snow impacting several counties across New York State. The alert remains in effect until 4 a.m., cautioning residents and travelers of rapidly changing weather conditions.

Snow Band Moving Southeast at 15 MPH

At 3:04 a.m., a lake effect snow band was detected along a line stretching from near Ravena to near West Winfield. This weather system is moving southeast at a speed of 15 MPH, bringing sudden snowfall to the regions in its path.

Counties and Locations Affected

The following counties are under the snow alert:

• Herkimer
• Montgomery
• Schoharie
• Schenectady
• Albany
• Rensselaer
• Greene
• Columbia

Specific locations anticipated to experience impact include:

• East Greenbush
• Cobleskill
• Delmar
• New Baltimore
• Westerlo
• Ravena
• Berne
• Voorheesville
• Valatie
• Middleburgh
• Castleton-On-Hudson
• Kinderhook
• Schoharie
• Richmondville
• West Winfield
• Sharon Springs
• Ames
• Jordanville
• Selkirk
• Feura Bush

Impact on Major Highways

Travelers should exercise caution on key highways affected by the snow band:

• Interstate 88 between exits 20 and 23.
• Interstate 87 between exits 21B and 22.

Commuters are advised to anticipate delays and plan their routes accordingly.

National Weather Service Advisory

The NWS warns:

“Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations. Be prepared for snow covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.”

Residents and travelers are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety during this weather event.

Technology Enhancing Weather Alerts

This timely alert is part of Advance Local Weather Alerts, a service provided by United Robots. Utilizing machine learning technologies, United Robots compiles the latest data from the National Weather Service to deliver prompt and accurate weather information to the public.

Staying Prepared

With the snow band moving swiftly and conditions changing quickly, staying informed is crucial. The NWS encourages everyone in the affected areas to monitor local updates and heed all advisories.

Conclusion

As the lake effect snow continues to move through New York, preparedness and caution are essential. Residents should ensure they are equipped for sudden weather changes and prioritize safety on the roads.