Snow is moving into the Finger Lakes as was forecasted, and for the next several hours, snow covered roads are likely a reality. That snow will transition into a wintry mix during the overnight hours, before switching to rain by the early-morning hours.
A low-pressure system moving through the Ohio Valley is strengthening as it tracks into the eastern Great Lakes. Snow is expected to spread across the region this evening, with accumulations ranging from a dusting to 3 inches before warmer air causes a transition to sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulations will generally remain light, but untreated roads and sidewalks could become dangerously slick. Winds will also increase, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph overnight.
By early Thursday, precipitation will turn to rain as temperatures briefly rise above freezing. However, a sharp cold front will sweep through by late morning, rapidly dropping temperatures and transitioning rain back to snow. Lake-effect snow bands are expected to develop east and southeast of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, with moderate to heavy accumulations possible in parts of Wayne, Cayuga, and northern Seneca counties.
Alerts by county across the Finger Lakes
- Cayuga County: A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday for mixed precipitation, followed by a Lake Effect Snow Warning from 4 p.m. Thursday through early Saturday. Snowfall totals could exceed a foot in the most persistent bands, with strong winds reducing visibility.
- Seneca & Yates Counties: Light snow accumulations of up to an inch, followed by a brief period of freezing rain overnight. Winds gusting to 40 mph may cause isolated power outages.
- Ontario County: 1 to 2 inches of snow expected before a changeover to freezing rain, with ice accumulations around a few hundredths of an inch. Winds could gust to 50 mph, particularly in higher elevations south of the Thruway.
- Wayne County: A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Thursday afternoon through late Friday night, with lake-effect snow expected to bring over 7 inches in some areas. Winds could gust between 40-50 mph, creating blowing snow hazards.
- Schuyler & Tompkins Counties: Snow accumulations will be minimal, but icy conditions and gusty winds could make travel hazardous overnight. Wind gusts may reach 40 mph.
What comes next? An active weekend!
As the first storm system pulls away, colder air will surge into the region, setting the stage for a classic lake-effect snow setup. Off Lake Ontario, a well-aligned northwest flow will direct bands of heavy snowfall into areas east of the lake, potentially bringing over a foot of accumulation in the most persistent areas by Friday evening. While the lake-effect bands will be more scattered off Lake Erie, some localized areas could still see moderate accumulations.
By Friday night, the lake-effect activity will begin to diminish as high pressure briefly builds in, offering a short-lived break before the next system arrives. However, the calm won’t last long. On Saturday, another low-pressure system will track just south of the region, spreading a fresh round of widespread light snow across the Finger Lakes. This system won’t bring intense accumulations, but it will reinforce the wintry conditions heading into the weekend.
Then comes the real punch of Arctic air. As the storm moves out, a much colder airmass will pour into the region, plunging temperatures into the single digits and teens by early next week. Highs may struggle to rise above the low teens, while overnight lows dip below zero in the higher elevations. This deep freeze could also renew lake-effect snow showers, with additional light accumulations possible east of both lakes.al Weather Service releases new forecast guidance multiple times per day.
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