Winter Wonderland in Fort Plain
Winter looked wintry again in Fort Plain, creating a magical wonderland for residents and visitors alike.
Children played in the blustery winds, building snowmen and having snowball fights. Plows rolled down the village streets, ensuring safe passage for everyone. Trees were dusted with snow on Sunday morning, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a holiday postcard.
“It’s just nice to see it brighter,” said Fort Plain Mayor Patrick Hanifin, expressing his delight at the winter wonderland that had descended upon the town.
First Major Winter Storm of 2024
About a half-foot of snow piled up over the weekend in what was the region’s first major winter storm of 2024. Wintry gusts moved in from the west late Saturday, blanketing the area in a beautiful layer of snow.
The highest snowfall levels were recorded at 14 inches in the town of Esopus, Ulster County, as of Sunday morning. Levels varied between three to seven inches in portions of the core Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Adirondacks, creating a winter wonderland for all to enjoy.
Impacts of the Winter Storm
For congregations like the Burnt Hills United Methodist Church, worship services were held online. Some groups canceled services altogether, opting to stay warm and safe indoors.
Multiple Amtrak runs and Albany International Airport flights were canceled or delayed, causing disruptions in travel plans for many. However, maintenance crews worked diligently to clear the runway for arrivals, ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Statewide, there were 1,035 power outages — some of which occurred in Berne, Schodack, and Niskayuna. However, 5,500 state utility crew workers were deployed to restore power and ensure the well-being of affected residents.
Preparation and Response
About 4,400 state highway workers were active pretreating and plowing on Saturday and Sunday, using a fleet of plow trucks, loaders, and snow blowers to keep the roads clear and safe for travel.
Gloversville’s public works department also worked tirelessly to clear the streets and ensure the safety of residents. Despite the challenges, the community came together to overcome the obstacles posed by the winter storm.
Looking Ahead
Southern Adirondack Snowmobile Association President Dave Jones expects a few days of enjoyment with the fresh batch of snow, as temperatures are expected to warm up later in the week. The group opened a trail route for the first time this season, allowing snowmobile enthusiasts to embrace the winter wonderland.
While a lake effect storm is expected to wallop communities surrounding Lake Erie and Lake Ontario with more than a foot of snow on Tuesday, forecasters at the National Weather Service in Albany are monitoring the possibility of flooding elsewhere, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.
Initial snowstorm of 2024 lightly impacts greater Capital Region.
Disagree. This storm caused major traffic disruptions and power outages. It’s definitely more than just a light impact.
Disagree. The snowstorm wreaked havoc on the region, causing significant damage and inconvenience to residents and businesses.