A period of light snow will move across the Finger Lakes and Central New York on Sunday before a surge of arctic air brings dangerous cold and significant travel disruptions to much of Upstate New York this week, according to the National Weather Service.
While most of the Finger Lakes region will avoid the heaviest snowfall, forecasters warn that nearby regions — including Western New York, the North Country and major highway corridors such as Interstate 90 and Interstate 81 — will see prolonged lake-effect snow, strong winds and whiteout conditions through midweek.
Finger Lakes, Central New York: Light snow Sunday, limited accumulations
The National Weather Service office in Binghamton said enough moisture and lift will be present early Sunday for light snow to develop across the Southern Tier and parts of Central New York, pushing northeast through the day as a coastal low tracks northward.
Snowfall amounts are expected to remain below advisory levels, with most areas picking up 1 to 3 inches by Sunday afternoon. The highest totals are expected in eastern sections of the Binghamton forecast area, while much of the Finger Lakes will see lighter accumulations.
Forecasters cautioned that even modest snowfall could create slick travel conditions, particularly on untreated roads during the morning and early afternoon hours.
Arctic blast arrives Monday and Tuesday with below-zero wind chills
Colder air settles in behind Sunday’s system, setting the stage for the coldest weather of the week. Temperatures across the Finger Lakes and Central New York are expected to fall sharply Monday night into Tuesday.
The National Weather Service said Tuesday will likely be the coldest day, with highs remaining in the teens and gusty winds pushing wind chill values below zero. Some areas may approach cold weather advisory criteria, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.
Lake-effect snow is expected to largely miss the Finger Lakes early in the week, though brief snow showers or flurries are possible at times as cold west to southwest winds move across the Great Lakes.
Western New York: Heavy lake-effect snow targets I-90 corridor
Much more serious impacts are expected west of the Finger Lakes.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo said lake-effect snow will intensify late Sunday night and continue through Wednesday across portions of Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for much of the Buffalo metro area and surrounding counties, where 10 to 20 inches of snow is expected. Winds gusting up to 50 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow and near-whiteout conditions at times.
Travel along Interstate 90, as well as I-190, I-290 and connecting highways, could become dangerous or impossible during periods when the strongest snowbands are in place.
North Country: Feet of snow expected east of Lake Ontario
The most extreme conditions are forecast for the eastern Lake Ontario region.
Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for Jefferson and Lewis counties, including Watertown, Fort Drum and the Tug Hill Plateau. Forecasters said storm totals of 2 to 3 feet of snow are likely through Wednesday afternoon.
Snowfall rates could reach 4 inches per hour at times, with gusty winds creating frequent whiteout conditions. Travel along Interstate 81 north of Syracuse, as well as Routes 12 and 177, may become very difficult to impossible.
Additional snow chances midweek, larger system possible next weekend
Another fast-moving system is expected to pass through Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing additional snow showers across Central New York and the Finger Lakes. Accumulations locally are expected to remain light, with better chances for measurable snow east of the region.
Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for a larger, more organized winter storm next weekend, as a low-pressure system tracks from the southern United States toward the East Coast. Confidence in timing and snowfall amounts remains low, but the setup could support more widespread snow across Upstate New York.
Travel impacts expand beyond roads as winds increase on the lakes
Strong winds associated with the arctic air mass have prompted Gale Warnings and Heavy Freezing Spray Warnings on Lakes Erie and Ontario beginning Monday. Marine conditions will be hazardous, with rapid ice accumulation possible on vessels.
Aviation impacts are also likely, with periods of IFR and LIFR conditions expected in lake-effect snow bands across Western and Northern New York through midweek.
What to expect overall
For the Finger Lakes and Central New York, the primary concerns will be light snow Sunday, extreme cold Tuesday, and periodic slick travel. For those traveling west or north, especially along I-90 and I-81, forecasters urge close monitoring of conditions as lake-effect snow and high winds create rapidly changing and dangerous travel conditions through Wednesday.
Residents and travelers are advised to monitor the latest forecasts and winter weather statements from the National Weather Service.
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