Late Season Snow
Event Impacting
Jefferson County

April 16, 2007, 9:45 a.m.

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — The predicated snow event is on-going in Jefferson County today.   

The National Weather Service is forecasting continued snow throughout the day
today.  Snow may be very heavy at times with rates exceeding 3 inches an hour. Winds are steady in most areas at 20+ mph and gusting frequently higher.  This is very heavy, wet snow and road conditions are "greasy".

The Jefferson County Dispatch Center is receiving numerous reports of wires
down and motor vehicle accidents.  There are areas of power outages however
National Grid is reporting an expectation for restoration in a relatively timely manner.

Roadway conditions are treacherous across the county and, even with local and state plows working, most roads have considerable accumulations of snow on them.  While travel is not officially restricted, residents are strongly encouraged to avoid any travel that is absolutely unnecessary.  

Residents should refrain from undertaking any long-distance travel as this event has seriously impacted travel across the entire northeastern United States.

States of Emergency are being declared in various areas of the state and the New York City region is experiencing record-breaking rain fall.

Localized flooding in other parts of the state is becoming a problem.  The NYS Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid disaster response plan has been activate, however, as of yet no local resources have been requested.

Remember the following safety precautions:

-     Do not leave animals outside for long periods of time.

-     Ensure you have enough food, medical and other supplies today.

-     Check the batteries in your flashlights.  Do NOT use candles if the
power goes out.

-     Fill the fuel tank in your car, generator and snow blower today.

-     Expect delays in travel on Monday, particularly in the morning. Roadway conditions are expected to be hazardous.  Leave extra time for any travel.

-     Do not approach or in any way touch any downed lines, whether they appear to be power lines, cable lines or telephone lines.

-     Do not drive over downed power lines.

-     Should you lose power and must leave your home, go to the nearest fire station for assistance.

-      Do not operate generators or any other fuel powered equipment within your home.

-      Generators must be installed and maintained by persons who have expertise in their use.

-       As the week progresses, temperatures are expected to climb above freezing.  As this occurs, whatever snow we receive tonight and tomorrow will quickly melt.  There is the possibility for low-land and roadway flooding.  Ensure that your sump pump is in good working condition.

The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation with our partner agencies.  Do not contact the Jefferson County 911 Center to inquire about road conditions.  Media inquires should be directed to G. Brunelle, Director, Jefferson County Emergency Management.

For additional information and on-going updates tune to your local media source (television, radio or internet).  Specific information can be found online at:

Travel Conditions:  www.nysdot.gov/

Weather Information:   www.nws.noaa.gov/

Power Outage Information:  www.nationalgridus.com/


Official: Jefferson County Office of Fire & Emergency Management