Residents across the Finger Lakes and Central New York should prepare for several rounds of unsettled late-winter weather through early next week. Forecasters say the pattern will feature multiple storm systems, shifting temperatures, and a growing risk of ice movement on rivers and streams.
Dense fog and messy commutes today: What to expect
The day begins with widespread dense fog and poor visibility across the region, especially early Wednesday morning. Travel conditions may improve gradually after sunrise, but precipitation moving in from the west will quickly replace the fog hazard.
Rain spreads northward through the morning and afternoon. Because ground temperatures remain relatively mild, most paved surfaces will initially stay wet rather than icy. However, colder pockets — especially across higher terrain and near Lake Ontario — could see sleet or freezing rain mixed in at times.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of the region, including northern Cayuga and Wayne counties, where ice accumulation and slick travel are possible. Eastern Wayne County and northern Cayuga County may see more snow mixed in, limiting ice amounts somewhat but still creating hazardous conditions.
Expect impacts to both the morning and evening commutes, with untreated surfaces becoming slippery as temperatures fluctuate around freezing.
Tonight into Thursday: Lingering slick spots, gradual improvement
Precipitation continues through Wednesday night before tapering off early Thursday. Most areas transition back to rain before ending, but colder spots could briefly refreeze overnight.
Thursday looks quieter overall with low clouds and patchy fog possible in the morning. Only isolated rain showers are expected later in the day, making it the most stable stretch of the forecast period.
Friday into Saturday: Another wintry system arrives
The break will be short-lived.
A second storm arrives Friday morning and may be more impactful because colder air is expected to linger near the surface. This setup increases the chance for snow, sleet, and freezing rain — particularly east of Interstate 81, but mixed precipitation is possible across the broader Finger Lakes as well.
Forecasters say the system could produce more widespread icing than Wednesday’s event depending on how warm air moves overhead. Additional advisories are possible as the storm approaches.
Precipitation continues into Saturday with rain south and lingering snow north before gradually diminishing.
Sunday into Monday: Watching a coastal storm
A developing coastal low could bring light accumulating snow late Sunday into Monday, though current projections place the storm mostly east of the region. Only minor accumulations are expected if the track remains unchanged, but forecasters continue monitoring for shifts.
Rising water and ice jam risk increases
One of the bigger concerns late this week is not snowfall — but water.
Repeated rainfall combined with mild temperatures will melt snowpack and push runoff into creeks and rivers. Water levels could rise several feet, breaking up river ice and sending chunks downstream. If ice becomes lodged near bridges or bends, localized flooding could occur.
While widespread flooding is not expected, sudden ice jams are unpredictable and can cause rapid water rises.
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