As of sunrise Saturday, the winter storm that impacted the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and surrounding regions is winding down, with snow and mixed precipitation tapering off across most areas. While hazardous travel conditions linger early this morning, the focus now shifts to improving weather today — followed by a significantly more complex and potentially disruptive pattern late Sunday into next week.
Snow ends early Saturday, travel slowly improves
According to the National Weather Service, lingering snow, sleet, and freezing drizzle will end by mid-morning across Central New York and the Southern Tier. Additional accumulations early today are minor, generally one inch or less, though untreated roads, bridges, and sidewalks remain slick.
Ceilings will remain low through the morning hours, with gradual improvement expected late morning into the afternoon. Most areas should return to dry conditions today as high pressure builds in, allowing crews time to clear roads and improve travel conditions.
A brief calm before the next system
Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning will be the quietest stretch in the forecast. Skies gradually improve, and no precipitation is expected during this window. However, this lull will be short-lived.
By Sunday afternoon, a powerful and moisture-rich storm system begins to move toward the eastern Great Lakes, setting the stage for widespread rain and additional hazards.
Rain and flooding concerns increase Sunday into Monday
Forecast confidence continues to grow that widespread rain will develop Sunday afternoon and continue into Monday, with rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches possible across much of western and central New York.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of western New York from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon, citing concerns that rain falling on snowmelt could push creeks and rivers — particularly in the Buffalo area — toward flood stage. Poor drainage and low-lying areas may see flooding if rainfall trends continue.
Some areas, especially east of Lake Ontario and along the St. Lawrence Valley, may see a brief period of freezing rain at the onset Sunday evening before temperatures rise and precipitation transitions to plain rain.
Strong winds and sharp temperature drop Monday
A strong cold front is expected to sweep through late Monday, bringing a rapid temperature drop and powerful westerly winds. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible Monday evening into early Tuesday, with isolated higher gusts near the lakes.
These winds, combined with wet ground conditions, may lead to downed tree limbs, isolated power outages, and hazardous travel — particularly for high-profile vehicles.
Prolonged lake effect snow likely next week
Behind the cold front, arctic air pours across the Great Lakes, setting up a long-lived lake effect snow event from Monday night through much of next week. Snow bands are expected to repeatedly impact areas east and southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario, including the Buffalo Southtowns, Tug Hill Plateau, northern Monroe County, and Oswego County.
While it remains too early to pinpoint exact locations and totals, forecasters say lake effect snow headlines are likely at some point as bands shift and intensify through the week.
Bottom line
The initial storm is ending, and Saturday offers a brief recovery window. Conditions deteriorate again late Sunday with heavy rain, rising water concerns, strong winds Monday, and an extended stretch of lake effect snow heading into the final days of the year. This is not a one-and-done system — the pattern stays active, and impacts will be ongoing.
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