The National Weather Service has issued active winter weather alerts for Cayuga and Wayne counties as heavy lake-effect snow continues to blanket parts of the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Significant snowfall, gusty winds, and frigid temperatures are expected to create hazardous travel conditions through the weekend.
Cayuga and Wayne counties remain under a Lake Effect Snow Warning until 6 p.m. Sunday, with snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 2 feet expected in the most persistent lake-effect snow bands. Winds gusting up to 40 mph will contribute to blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility and complicating travel.
The heaviest snowfall is forecast southeast of Lake Ontario, including areas of Oswego County and the Tug Hill region, where accumulations could exceed 3 feet by Sunday evening. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour are expected at times, with localized bursts reaching 4 inches per hour.
In addition to the heavy snow, gusty winds will create wind chills in the single digits on Saturday, posing an additional hazard for those outdoors. Travel along major routes, including Interstate 90 and state highways, may be treacherous at times, particularly during periods of intense snowfall.
By Friday night, the lake-effect snow bands are expected to shift southward, impacting areas in northern Cayuga and Wayne counties. Forecasters anticipate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, with accumulations of up to 8 inches in some areas by Saturday morning.
Looking ahead, the wintry pattern is expected to persist into next week as a deep trough remains anchored over eastern Canada. Temperatures will continue to run 5 to 10 degrees below normal, with daytime highs in the teens and low 20s. Additional rounds of lake-effect snow are likely, particularly southeast of both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Residents are urged to limit travel during periods of heavy snowfall, keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, and stay informed of rapidly changing weather conditions.
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