Watertown officials and first responders successfully managed the "Total Eclipse of the Park" event in Thompson Park, ensuring public safety with a turnout of around 6,000 eclipse enthusiasts. Despite lower-than-expected attendance during the total solar eclipse, the event was deemed a total success, with minimal incidents and no major traffic issues in the city. Emergency services were on standby, and although a few ambulances experienced delays due to heavy traffic, overall, the event went smoothly with lower call volumes than usual.
Watertown, New York, is making final preparations for the upcoming total solar eclipse, with officials providing last-minute advice for visitors. Tents have been set up at Thompson Park for the "Total Eclipse of the Park" event, and shuttle services will be available for eclipse viewers. Governor Kathy Hochul outlined the state's preparations, including deploying additional first responders on highways and advising people to expect traffic delays and pack essentials. With close to a million visitors expected in New York State, officials urge patience and early departure for eclipse viewing destinations.
Travelers are making their way to Watertown and other North Country locations to witness the upcoming eclipse, with some using 10-day cloud cover forecasts to plan their viewing spots. First-time eclipse chasers Diane Roulston and Andrew King from Ann Arbor, Michigan, are heading even farther north to witness totality in the Northeast, while others are considering locations like Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine for the event.
Eclipse chaser Heidi Ferguson, who arrived in Watertown ahead of the upcoming solar eclipse, predicts bumper-to-bumper traffic in the area on the day of the event based on her previous experience and highway signs warning of heavy delays. She and her family are expecting large crowds due to the eclipse's path of complete totality, and she emphasizes the unique experience of witnessing an eclipse.
An autopsy was conducted on Kyla Spencer, the 18-year-old from Watertown whose body was discovered in the woods in the town of Pitcairn. State police are awaiting the results of scientific tests to determine the cause and manner of her death. Spencer was reported missing from a seasonal camp and her body was found in a wooded area off Jayville Road. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact state police.
An argument over littering outside a Little Caesars in Watertown escalated into a violent machete attack, resulting in two people being hospitalized. 18-year-old Shayquan Bullocks was arraigned on assault and weapon possession charges after allegedly attacking a couple with a machete following a verbal altercation. The victims sustained serious injuries, including a deep cut to the hand and head for the woman, and eye injuries for the man.
Bad Apple, a local restaurant and bar chain in Watertown, is set to open a new venue called Bad Apple Downtown at the former Spokes on the Square location, featuring a Times Square theme, high-end appetizers, and a piano bar. The owner, Shannon Exford, is aiming to bring a new twist to the downtown area and plans to have the venue ready by March. This expansion marks the latest addition to the Bad Apple chain, which already includes Bad Apple Saloon and Bad Apple Garage Grill and Bar, with further plans for expansion in the city.
Watertown, New York experiences continued snowfall and slick roads as a lake effect storm persists, leading to crashes and travel advisories in Jefferson and Lewis counties, with 50 cancellations reported.
A relentless snowstorm dumped at least a foot of snow on Watertown, prompting widespread cancellations and at least 130 cancellations and delays. Watertown CitiBus shut down for the day, and a travel advisory for Jefferson County was in effect. Despite the heavy snowfall, all streets remained passable but slippery. The snow, which is lake effect, appeared to be concentrated in a band stretching from the Henderson area through Watertown and Fort Drum, then on to Carthage and into northern Lewis County and southeastern St. Lawrence County.
Powerful winds in Watertown, New York, caused significant damage, including downed trees, damaged homes, and crushed vehicles. Residents expressed disbelief and gratitude that there were no injuries, despite the destruction. Cleanup efforts are underway in the aftermath of the storm.
Powerful winds in Watertown, New York caused trees to fall, leading to power outages for thousands of National Grid customers. Arsenal Street was left in darkness, and a large tree limb fell on a house, though no injuries were reported. City firefighters and National Grid were on the scene to address the damage.
Sarah Compo Pierce has been elected as Watertown's first woman mayor, defeating opponent Lisa Ruggiero with a vote of 2,402 to 1,018. She will replace Mayor Jeff Smith in January and is expected to deliver a victory speech at 10 p.m. Ruggiero will return to her seat on the city council.
A 32-year-old man died in a one-vehicle crash in Watertown, New York, after his westbound vehicle veered off the road, hitting mailboxes, utility poles, and an embankment before coming to rest on its side. The driver's identity has not been released, and an investigation is underway.
Watertown officials are hopeful that the boil water advisory, which was issued after a water main break last Thursday, will be lifted by midweek. Testing on the city's water and chlorine levels is progressing well, and the reservoirs are filling up. The water department is considering lifting the water conservation notice soon, but the boil water advisory will remain in effect. Additional water pickup locations and times for those still in need are uncertain at this time.
Fire hydrants in Watertown, New York are back online after a water main break, but a boil water advisory remains in effect. The city is gradually pumping water into the lines to prevent further breaks, and testing is being done to ensure the water is safe to drink. The improvement in water levels has led to the demobilization of emergency task forces, and the fire department now has access to city fire hydrants. Free water is available at the fairgrounds, but individuals must bring their own containers.
