Watertown, New York – Drivers across northern and central New York should brace for repeated rounds of heavy lake effect snow starting early Tuesday, with dangerous travel conditions expected to linger through Thursday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Lake Effect Snow Warning goes into effect at 7 a.m. Tuesday for Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and northern Cayuga counties, continuing until 7 p.m. Thursday. A previously issued Winter Storm Warning has been canceled for Jefferson and Lewis counties, while it remains in effect for Oswego and northern Cayuga counties until early Tuesday morning.
The most significant impacts are expected east and southeast of Lake Ontario. Oswego County could see the brunt of the storm, with one to two feet of snow possible where lake snow bands remain locked in place. Southern Jefferson County and far western Lewis County are likely to pick up 8 to 14 inches, while northern Cayuga County may also see totals in that range.
Snow bands are expected to shift north and south at times, leading to rapidly changing conditions. Brief lulls may allow for cleanup, but visibility can drop quickly when heavier bands move overhead. Snow-covered roads and near-whiteout conditions will make travel very difficult at times, especially on routes such as Interstate 81, Route 104, and local county roads.
Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel, keep vehicles stocked with emergency supplies, and allow extra time if travel cannot be avoided. Additional advisories or extensions of warnings remain possible as the lake effect pattern continues through midweek.
