Storm hits Tug Hill

Southern Jefferson and Lewis counties, and northern Oswego County bore the brunt of a lake-effect snowstorm Friday that featured snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour in some areas.

"Hopefully, if we get by tonight, we'll be all set," Lewis County Emergency Services Director James M. Martin said late Friday afternoon. "This lake-effect business should be beyond us. Hopefully."

A band of lake-effect snow extended across northern Oswego and southern Jefferson counties into central and southern Lewis County throughout the day, according to the National Weather Service. West winds gusting up to 35 mph also were reported, causing whiteout conditions.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department issued a travel advisory Friday. Area police and wrecker operators responded to numerous calls of stranded vehicles, and a section of Route 26 between Constableville and West Leyden was closed for part of the afternoon. All Lewis County schools were closed Friday, with many Jefferson County schools on delay or closed. Most Lewis County offices opened two hours late and closed a early. Many downtown Lowville businesses did not open Friday.