The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of the Finger Lakes and Central New York, warning of hazardous travel conditions starting late Sunday night. Snowfall is expected to make Monday morning’s commute challenging, with significant accumulations in some areas.
The advisory, issued Saturday afternoon, affects Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Southern Cayuga, and Onondaga counties. Snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are anticipated in Wayne and Northern Cayuga counties, while Onondaga and Southern Cayuga counties may see up to 5 inches of lake-effect snow.
Travelers in Western and Central New York should brace for hazardous road conditions through Tuesday. The NWS warns that snow-covered roads and limited visibility will require caution. Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra time for their journeys.
Breakdown of Travel Conditions:
- Sunday Night to Monday Morning: Snowfall will intensify after 10 p.m. Sunday, with the heaviest accumulations overnight. Roads in areas such as Newark, Fair Haven, Syracuse, and Auburn are likely to be snow-covered and slippery. Morning commutes could be impacted in these areas.
- Monday Evening: Snow bands are expected to drift southward, with areas like the Tug Hill Plateau and southern shores of Lake Ontario experiencing persistent lake-effect snow. Snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour are possible in localized areas, creating whiteout conditions.
- Tuesday: The wintry pattern will persist, with lake-effect snow gradually tapering off but leaving behind icy and snow-packed roadways. Subfreezing temperatures will maintain treacherous conditions, particularly in the higher elevations.
This advisory follows a prolonged lake-effect snow event that has already buried parts of the Tug Hill Plateau under as much as 4 feet of snow. Lake-effect snow bands fueled by Arctic air over the Great Lakes are forecast to continue through the week, keeping travel challenging in Western and Central New York.
The NWS emphasizes the importance of preparedness during these conditions. “Periods of snow will result in snow-covered roads and limited visibility. Slow down and use caution while driving,” the advisory states. Motorists can check the latest road conditions by dialing 511.
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