Less Than Zero: No Let-Up in the Deep Freeze

Temperatures across the upstate region plunged below zero Tuesday morning, and the National Weather Service has issued wind chill advisories or warnings for much of western and central New York. Forecasters say winds gusting to 35 mph will drive the wind chill down to minus 25 degrees in some areas.

The lowest temperature was in Glens Falls, where it was 24 below before dawn.

New York City experienced record lows across the area. La Guardia airport reached a low of 6 degrees overnight Monday, breaking a record of 16 set back in 1968.

Meanwhile, a New York state park that drew national attention for its “ice volcano” now has a second icy spectacle: a pair of stories-high water falls that are nearly frozen over.

Two of Letchworth State Park’s major water falls on the Genesee River are almost entirely encased in ice.

The frozen scenery is drawing visitors to the 107-foot middle falls and the 70-foot upper falls, located in the southern end of a scenic gorge near Rochester. The river is still flowing over the upper falls through a narrow channel of open water.

Another icy attraction is located nearby. The geyser-like fountain at the park’s Glen Iris Inn has formed a thick, 50-foot tall “ice volcano” thanks to one of the coldest Februarys on record.

This article appeared in print on page 24 of the February 25th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.