Hey, Upstate New York, it looks like Sunday is going to be a bit of a wild one weather-wise. Freezing rain is rolling in, and if you’re anywhere near the Canadian border, you could see up to 10mm of ice piling up. That’s a lot of ice—and it’s going to make everything slippery. Whether you’re heading out or just staying in, it’s a good idea to prepare now so you’re not caught off guard.
What’s Happening: Freezing Rain and Icy Roads
By Sunday morning, temperatures will be low enough for rain to freeze as soon as it hits the ground, turning everything into an icy mess. Roads, sidewalks, trees, and power lines will all be coated in ice, making travel tricky. The freezing rain will kick in early and last all day, with things really ramping up in the afternoon and evening.
If you can avoid going out, now’s the time to stay cozy indoors. But if you do need to get somewhere, it’s going to be slow going. Even just a little ice—like the potential 10mm accumulations—can make roads dangerously slippery. Bridges and overpasses are going to be especially tough to drive on since they freeze first. So, if you’re out and about, take it easy and stay extra cautious.
Areas to Watch: Canadian Border and Beyond
The freezing rain will hit hardest near the Canadian border, where we could see up to 10mm of ice. If you’re in these areas, it could get very tricky, with dangerous roads and possibly even power outages from ice building up on trees and power lines. If you’re in these parts of Upstate New York, it might be best to stay home if you can.
But don’t think you’re in the clear if you’re further south. Even cities like Albany are going to deal with some slippery roads, though the ice accumulation won’t be as intense. Still, you’ll want to stay on alert and drive carefully if you have to go out.
What You Need to Know:
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Ice Accumulations: Areas near the Canadian border could get up to 10mm of ice. Areas further south will see less, but it’ll still be slippery.
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Travel Conditions: Roads are going to be slick, and bridges will freeze quickly. If you don’t need to leave the house, it’s safest to stay put. If you must go out, take it slow, keep your distance from other drivers, and give yourself plenty of time.
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Timing: The freezing rain will start Sunday morning and last throughout the day. The worst of it will likely hit in the afternoon and evening.
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Safety Tips: If you can stay home, do it. But if you have to head out, make sure your car is winter-ready, and have an emergency kit in your car with blankets, food, and a flashlight just in case.
Power Outages and Property Damage
Freezing rain is more than just slippery—it can cause some serious problems. The ice can build up on trees and power lines, making branches heavy enough to snap and take down power lines. If you’re in an area where power outages are common, it’s a good idea to check that your backup generator is working, and have some extra blankets, batteries, and flashlights ready.
Take a look around your yard or property for any trees or branches that might be a problem. If you’ve got any furniture outside, make sure it’s secured so it doesn’t get blown around by the ice and wind.
Stay Safe and Be Prepared
This freezing rain isn’t something to ignore. Even if the ice accumulation is less severe where you live, driving is going to be tough, and power outages are a real risk. If you can stay inside, do it. But if you need to go out, make sure you’re extra careful—drive slowly, keep a safe distance, and have your emergency kit ready.
