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LAKE PLACID — Snow sweeping in from the west created slight delays Wednesday in the North Country commute.
But the area's first real taste of winter mostly met a business-as-usual response despite accumulations of nearly six inches by mid-morning.
CAREFUL DRIVERS
Saranac Lake Police Chief Bruce Nason said that while he was traveling to work from Tupper Lake, snow was building up on the roadways, but vehicles were going slowly, even 30 miles per hour in some places.
"All the residents have been very cautious," he said. "I think maybe because it's the first one, everybody's being extra cautious."
Lake Placid Village Police Sgt. Carol Hayes agreed.
"It is slippery out there, but people are taking it easy."
Maj. David Reynolds at the Essex County Sheriff's Office reported the same response countywide, saying all remained relatively quiet.
"We've just had a few minor property-damage accidents."
NOT WELCOME
Heather Provoncha, administrator at Essex County Department of Public Works, gave the morning drive a giant raspberry.
"Slpppppp," she said with a big laugh.
Provoncha travels to her county office from Schroon Lake and said it took an extra 10 or 15 minutes to get to work, driving up the Northway.
Most local schools remained open, although many canceled after-school activities. Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh closed about midday.
The heavy morning snow had tapered off by noon, mixing with a bit of sleet and freezing rain before ending in the evening.
DRIVING ADVICE
State Police did investigate a number of fender-bender accidents, and troopers were busy helping stranded drivers.
The State Department of Transportation issued tips for driving in a storm: Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one.
Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Be patient during snow and ice removal operations.
Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than roads.
SIDEWALK LAW
The City of Plattsburgh parking ban was in effect for the first time this year, with car owners needing to find off-road parking so streets could be cleared properly.
Cars that aren't off the road can be towed at the owner's expense.
City officials also reminded property owners that they are required, by law, to clear the public sidewalks adjacent to their land within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.
If not, the city can send a crew over to shovel snow and then bill the property owner.
"Each winter, we like to educate the public on our policies for towing and snow removal, and we hope the public complies," Mayor Donald Kasprzak said.
"We also stress safety while driving and working outdoors in storm conditions."
OUTAGES
About 400 National Grid customers were without power for a time in Duane, Chateaugay, Constable and Burke, according to John Bashaw, deputy director of Franklin County Emergency Services.
He said the weight of snow falling and downed tree limbs, rather than high winds, were to blame for the interruption in service.
The outages were reported at about 11:30 a.m., and company officials hoped to have the service restored around 3 p.m.
The largest impact was in Duane, where about 375 customers lost electric service.
Bashaw said his agency was preparing late Wednesday for the second storm of the day, which was to move in toward evening and bring more snow and even higher winds.
"It looks like winter is here," he said.
CANCELLATIONS
A number of local events and meetings planned for Wednesday were canceled because of the snowstorm. The "Biology of Catch and Release" bass-fishing seminar, planned for Plattsburgh State, was postponed. Organizers said Dr. Bruce Tufts is still interested in presenting, and they hope to reschedule for late April 2010.
The North Country Center for Independence moved the workshop, "How Special Education Works," from Wednesday afternoon to 7 tonight.
The Village of Champlain Zoning Board meeting will instead be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Village Office.
— Staff Writers Denise Raymo and Joe LoTemplio and News Editor Lois Clermont contributed to this report.
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