Parts of the Finger Lakes remain under Winter Weather Advisories as lake effect snowfall continues to sweep through the region, bringing accumulation and travel disruptions. The National Weather Service (NWS) extended advisories for Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Madison, Southern Cayuga, and Onondaga counties until 1 p.m. Tuesday, warning of snow accumulations ranging from 4 to 9 inches in localized areas.
The persistent snow bands, driven by northwest flow and frigid temperatures, are expected to arrive in waves, alternating between heavy bursts and lighter flurries. This pattern, while sparing some areas from prolonged heavy snow, could lead to treacherous road conditions due to periodic low visibility and snow-covered surfaces. Authorities caution motorists to plan ahead and use extreme care during commutes.
In Northern Cayuga and Wayne counties, snowfall accumulations could reach up to 7 inches through multiple rounds of snow showers. Madison, Southern Cayuga, and Onondaga counties face slightly higher totals, with up to 9 inches expected in areas hardest hit by the lake effect bands. Syracuse and surrounding regions will experience varying intensity, with the heaviest snowfall expected in the western part of Onondaga County.
Conditions will improve temporarily during breaks between snow bands, but forecasts show a resurgence of snowfall early Tuesday morning. These intermittent lulls may mitigate some impacts on travel and public safety operations, though overall conditions are expected to remain hazardous.
Looking ahead, the lake effect snow bands will shift northward Tuesday night into Wednesday as winds veer, briefly sparing southern parts of the region from heavy accumulation. However, a low-pressure system sweeping through later in the week could intensify conditions once more. On Wednesday and Thursday, widespread snow showers, gusty winds, and localized lake effect activity are forecast to return, potentially impacting commutes again with blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Temperatures will remain below normal throughout the week, with highs struggling to climb out of the 20s and 30s. Cold air entrenched over the Great Lakes will prolong the snowfall, particularly in areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, where additional heavy lake effect snow is anticipated later in the week.
As the storm evolves, residents are urged to stay updated on weather conditions and adhere to travel advisories. Snow reports can be submitted through the NWS website and social media platforms.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].