Heavy lake-effect snow is set to continue through Sunday across Cayuga and Wayne counties, bringing dangerous travel conditions and significant snowfall accumulations, according to the National Weather Service. On Saturday, Sheriff Brian Schenck issued a travel advisory in Northern Cayuga County, as conditions had deteriorated there to a point of dangerous travel.
The snow band, fueled by cold west-northwest winds and an upstream connection to Lake Huron, is expected to produce snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour at times through Sunday morning. Areas in northern Cayuga County and southern Oswego County could see an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow by Sunday evening. Further south and west, including portions of Wayne County along Route 104, snowfall totals could reach 10 to 18 inches.
Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, will worsen conditions by causing blowing and drifting snow, creating near-whiteout visibility in the hardest-hit areas. The NWS warned that road conditions could rapidly deteriorate, and isolated power outages are possible due to falling tree branches.
On Sunday, as winds shift more northwestward, the heavy snow band is forecast to drift south and west, bringing moderate snowfall to Wayne County in the afternoon and extending toward Monroe and Orleans counties by evening.
Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas. Drivers should expect rapidly changing weather conditions, poor visibility, and snow-covered roads. The NWS advises carrying an emergency kit if travel is unavoidable.
While snow intensity is expected to weaken by late Sunday, light snow showers will persist into early next week.
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