A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for parts of the Finger Lakes region starting Wednesday afternoon, with significant lake-effect snow accumulations and hazardous travel conditions expected to persist through Sunday.
The National Weather Service warns that Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties could see heavy snow combined with gusty winds up to 40 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow that may reduce visibility and make travel treacherous.
Snowfall totals remain uncertain due to shifting lake-effect bands, but areas southeast of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie could see accumulations exceeding 7 inches, particularly in higher terrain. The most intense snowfall is anticipated Wednesday night into Thursday as colder air moves into the region, dropping temperatures into the low 30s.
The system, originating in the Ohio Valley, will bring widespread rain Tuesday night before transitioning to snow by Wednesday. Lake-effect snow is expected to intensify as cold air moves over the still-warm lake waters, prolonging snowfall into the weekend.
Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potentially hazardous driving conditions and rapidly changing weather patterns. Those with travel plans are advised to monitor forecasts closely and allow extra time for commutes.
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].