Albany, New York – A highly active winter pattern is expected to develop across New York as the New Year approaches, with strong signals for accumulating snow, lake-effect impacts, and repeated travel disruptions from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Large-scale atmospheric patterns favor frequent storm systems tracking across the Northeast and Great Lakes during this period. According to the National Weather Service, colder air is expected to remain in place across much of the state, allowing most systems to produce snow away from the immediate coast. Upstate New York, including the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and western zones east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, currently show the strongest signal for plowable snowfall.
Lake-effect snow is also expected to play a role at times, particularly downwind of Lake Ontario, impacting areas such as Oswego, Watertown, and portions of central New York. Snowfall is likely to occur in multiple rounds, increasing the risk of recurring travel slowdowns rather than a single major storm. Major corridors including I-90, I-87, I-88, I-81, and I-84 could see snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and delays, especially overnight and during early morning hours.
Some systems may bring gusty winds, leading to blowing snow and localized power outages where heavier snow accumulates on trees and power lines. The New York State Department of Transportation urges drivers to remain flexible with holiday travel plans and to prepare for rapidly changing road conditions.
While New York City and Long Island may see more mixed precipitation during warmer system phases, colder intrusions could still bring brief snow periods. Overall, the pattern strongly supports a snowy and disruptive start to 2026 across Albany and much of New York State.
