Map Shows Cities Bracing for Lake-Effect Snow as Over a Foot Possible

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple weather advisories and warnings for Central New York, including Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties.

Why It Matters

Central New York is bracing for a blast of harsh winter weather, with snowfall totals reaching up to 14 inches in some areas. Winds of up to 50 mph could topple tree limbs and trigger whiteout conditions. The affects on commuting and power infrastructure could be severe, especially as snow accumulates and temperatures drop.

What To Know

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday. Northern Cayuga and Oswego counties can expect mixed precipitation, including up to 2 inches of snow and ice accumulations of a few hundredths of an inch. In Onondaga County, snow accumulations are expected to reach 1 inch with ice accumulations around a light glaze. Winds could gust up to 45 mph in the area, leading to slick roads and limited visibility.

Lake Effect Snow Warnings will take effect starting at 4 p.m. Thursday and continue until 1 a.m. Saturday. Oswego and Northern Cayuga counties could then see additional heavy lake-effect snow accumulations from 7 to 14 inches, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph. Onondaga County is forecast to get hit with 5 to 10 inches of more snow, with localized totals possibly exceeding a foot. Madison, Northern Oneida and Southern Oneida counties are also expected to see accumulations up to 10 inches, with winds reaching 40 mph.

Travel could be very difficult or even impossible in some areas, particularly during the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. Residents should monitor changing conditions and avoid unnecessary travel when possible.

Lake-effect snow is common across the Great Lakes region during late fall and winter. It occurs when cold air, often originating from Canada, moves across the open waters of the Great Lakes. As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and relatively warm lake waters, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere. The air rises, clouds form and narrow bands of snow develop, which can produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.

Wind direction plays a significant role in determining which areas will receive lake-effect snow. Heavy snow may fall in one location while the sun shines just a mile or two away. The physical geography of the land and water also influences the snowfall. NWS meteorologists factor in these elements when forecasting the lake-effect storms.

What People Are Saying

The NWS: "Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities."

What Happens Next

Snowfall is expected to intensify Thursday evening, with the most severe lake-effect bands forming late into Friday. Officials recommend residents monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. Local crews will continue to clear roads, but residents should prepare for potential power outages and prolonged winter conditions.