A rapid return to winter weather is underway across the Finger Lakes Monday night as a strong cold front moves through the region, bringing a quick change from rain to snow along with gusty winds and sharply falling temperatures.
The National Weather Service says accumulating snow, blowing snow and icy roads are likely overnight into Tuesday morning as colder air settles into the eastern Great Lakes.
Winter weather advisories are now in effect across much of western and central New York, including Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Allegany and Steuben counties.
Rain changing to snow across the region
Precipitation is transitioning from rain to sleet and snow across the region tonight as colder air rapidly moves in behind the cold front.
Across Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario and Allegany counties, a winter weather advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday, where 2 to 5 inches of snow and sleet are expected. Higher elevations may see the greatest accumulations.
In Steuben County, another winter weather advisory also continues until 4 a.m. Tuesday, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected. Forecasters say snowfall rates could briefly exceed one inch per hour, allowing snow to accumulate quickly on roadways.
Much of the snowfall is expected to occur in a relatively short burst overnight, which could lead to rapidly changing travel conditions.
Rapid temperature drop may create icy roads
Temperatures are falling quickly tonight as colder air spreads across the region.
Forecasters say readings could drop from the 50s and 60s earlier in the day into the 20s overnight, raising concerns about a possible flash freeze where rain fell earlier.
Wet pavement may freeze quickly as temperatures fall below freezing, creating icy conditions on untreated roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
Strong winds creating blowing snow
Gusty winds remain another major factor in the overnight forecast.
Wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph are expected across the region through Tuesday morning. These winds could blow around unsecured objects, down tree limbs and lead to isolated power outages.
Where snow accumulates, the strong winds could also produce blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel more difficult overnight.
Lake-effect snow expected Tuesday
After the widespread snow associated with the cold front tapers off overnight, lake-effect snow is expected to develop downwind of the Great Lakes.
Forecasters say lake-effect bands will likely intensify east of Lake Ontario Tuesday, where heavier snow could fall through Wednesday morning.
Across the Finger Lakes and western New York, additional snow showers are possible Tuesday as breezy conditions continue through the day.
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