Fulton, NY — Residents in Fulton are racing to dig out from an astonishing 28 inches of lake-effect snow that blanketed the city from Friday into Saturday morning. City officials have confirmed that the snow emergency has been lifted, but the impact of the storm is still felt across the community.
City Councilor Brandi Clonch described the conditions, stating, “We are buried. It’s definitely over 2 feet. It’s mid-thigh for me and I’m 5’10.” The National Weather Service reported the staggering snow accumulation early Friday night, with some areas reporting depths that left fire hydrants and street signs completely obscured.
As of Saturday morning, all streets had been plowed multiple times, according to DPW Commissioner Charles J. Smith III, who noted that crews worked diligently throughout the storm. “Our DPW crews have done an exceptional job getting our streets cleaned up,” Clonch added. While streets remain narrow, they are now passable.
Mayor Jim Rice highlighted the efforts of city crews, who wrapped up a nearly 24-hour shift around 8 a.m. Saturday before returning at midnight to tackle ongoing cleanup. “Our expectation was residents would be cleaning out,” Rice explained, noting that private contractors often pushed snow back into the streets, complicating plowing efforts.
The city issued the snow emergency on Friday evening to facilitate snow removal, especially as parked vehicles hindered access for plows. “We’d turn onto a street and there’d be cars parked in it, and we’d have to back out,” Rice said. Police officers even went door to door to request residents move their vehicles, ensuring plows could operate safely.
Although the snow emergency has now ended, residents are advised that garbage and recycling pickup has been rescheduled for Monday, affecting the entire east side of the Oswego River. Rice confirmed there were no significant issues reported for police or fire crews during the storm, although emergency responders encountered challenges, including responding to an accident in the snow.
Drivers are urged to remain cautious on the roads as conditions continue to improve. “Give space to plows and emergency vehicles,” Rice warned, emphasizing the importance of safety as cleanup efforts progress.
This winter storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of lake-effect snow and its immediate impact on daily life in Fulton. Local officials are continuing to monitor conditions and support residents as they recover from this significant weather event.
Stay tuned for further updates on recovery efforts and weather forecasts in the coming days.
