Editor’s Note: We’ll be updating this page every few hours through the holiday. If you’re looking for active alerts by county, or a timeline of what the National Weather Service expects scroll down.
Tuesday 10 AM update: Snow ramping up, power outages scattered
Lake-effect snow is intensifying across the Finger Lakes and Central New York late Tuesday morning as wind shear weakens and more organized snow bands begin to develop. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the region is entering the most dangerous phase of this long-duration lake-effect event, with snowfall rates increasing, strong winds continuing, and near-blizzard conditions expected at times today.
The highest impacts are expected from mid-morning through this evening, especially across portions of Central New York and the Lake Ontario snowbelt, where several Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect.
Active warnings and advisories
Winter Storm Warnings – heavy lake-effect snow
Central New York lake-effect core
Onondaga, Madison, Northern Oneida, Southern Oneida, Southern Cayuga counties
In effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday
- Additional snowfall of 10 to 20 inches, with locally higher totals possible
- Snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour expected at times today
- Winds gusting up to 50 mph, producing blowing snow, whiteouts, and occasional blizzard conditions
- Travel may be very difficult to impossible, particularly during the afternoon and evening
Lake Ontario snowbelt – long-duration event
- Wayne and Northern Cayuga counties: Warning in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday
- Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis counties: Warning in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday
Snowfall totals of 1 to 3 feet are expected in Wayne and northern Cayuga counties, with 2 to 4 feet possible east of Lake Ontario where bands persist. Blowing and drifting snow will remain a major issue.
Western New York snowbelt
Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie counties
Warning in effect until 1 a.m. Friday
- Heavy lake-effect snow with 1 to 3 feet possible
- Winds gusting up to 45 mph will continue to produce blowing snow and dangerous travel conditions
Winter Weather Advisories – moderate lake-effect snow
Steuben County
In effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday
- Additional snowfall of 3 to 6 inches, locally higher in northwestern areas
- Blowing snow reducing visibility, with near-blizzard conditions possible in open areas
Cortland, Chenango, Otsego counties
In effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday
- Snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches, with locally higher totals
- Blowing and drifting snow may cause brief whiteout conditions
Wind Advisories
Much of Central New York and the Finger Lakes
In effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday
- West to northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph
- Winds will continue to exacerbate blowing snow, cause drifting, and lead to isolated power outages
- Winds are expected to gradually diminish overnight
Timeline: what happens next
Late Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening
Lake-effect snow bands are expected to become larger, more organized, and more intense as wind shear continues to decrease. The most persistent bands are forecast to set up over Central New York, including the Syracuse area and parts of Cayuga County. Snowfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour at times, with rapidly changing road conditions and frequent whiteouts.
Tuesday night into Wednesday
Lake-effect snow continues overnight, with bands gradually shifting as winds fluctuate between west and northwest. While snowfall intensity may briefly ease at times, Wednesday is expected to remain a high-impact day, particularly east and southeast of Lake Ontario, where additional significant accumulations are possible.
Wednesday night: Reinforcing system, snow squalls possible
A reinforcing cold front or clipper system is expected to cross the region Wednesday night, bringing another round of snow showers and the potential for snow squalls. Winds will increase again, and temperatures will fall sharply.
Thursday into Friday: Colder, continued lake snow
Cold northwest flow will allow lake-effect snow to redevelop Thursday and continue into Friday, particularly in established snowbelt areas. While snowfall rates may be lower than earlier in the week, additional accumulations remain likely.
Thursday is expected to be the coldest day of the week, with highs only in the teens to low 20s and wind chills in the single digits.
Weekend outlook
Colder-than-normal temperatures are expected to persist into the weekend. Lake-effect snow bands may weaken and shift at times, but periods of snow are likely to continue, especially east of Lake Ontario. A brief lull is possible Sunday, though light lake-effect snow may linger.
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