Winter's Early Knock: North Country Braces for a Snowy Welcome to the Week

Well, here we are, facing down the calendar pages that stubbornly flip toward colder days. And for many of us in Upstate New York’s North Country, winter isn't just a distant thought anymore; it’s making a rather assertive entrance this weekend. Honestly, if you're living anywhere from Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties right over to Franklin and northern Clinton, it's time to dig out those shovels – or at least eye them warily.

The National Weather Service has, in truth, issued a Winter Weather Advisory, and it's certainly one to pay attention to. This isn't just a dusting we're talking about; we’re looking at a legitimate dose of the white stuff. Expect the advisory to kick in sometime Sunday, lingering right through Monday morning. So, yes, that means any plans you had for a leisurely Sunday drive or, dare I say, a smooth Monday morning commute, might just need a little recalibration.

So, what exactly are we in for? The forecasters are pointing to a solid 3 to 6 inches of snow across the advisory area. But, you know how it goes with these things, especially in our neck of the woods: lake effect bands could, quite easily, crank up those totals in very localized spots. Picture it: roads becoming slick, visibility taking a serious hit, and honestly, just a generally unpleasant travel experience. That’s particularly true during the overnight hours from Sunday into Monday and, of course, for the start of the workweek grind.

But look, it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s just winter, and we’re New Yorkers, after all. The key, as always, is to be prepared. If you must be out and about during these conditions, please, please take it easy. Slow down. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you're going, and leave ample space between your vehicle and others. And maybe, just maybe, reconsider that joyride if it’s not absolutely necessary. Better safe than, well, stuck in a ditch, wouldn’t you agree?