Buffalo, New York – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of north-central New York as light to moderate snowfall continues Tuesday and transitions into lake-effect snow tonight, creating periods of reduced visibility and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the greatest snowfall accumulations are expected east of Lake Ontario, particularly across the Tug Hill Plateau. Snowfall totals through tonight are forecast to range from 2 to 4 inches in the Tug Hill region, including areas near Watertown and Lowville. Locally higher amounts are possible where lake-effect bands persist.
Elsewhere across western and central New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, and Batavia, snowfall amounts are expected to remain lighter. Most locations west of Lake Ontario are forecast to receive less than 1 inch to around 1 inch through this evening, with some areas seeing a period of rain or a light wintry mix this afternoon.
The National Weather Service notes that frozen ground conditions may still allow for isolated slick spots, even in areas that experience rain rather than snow. As colder air moves back into the region tonight, lake-effect snow showers are expected to redevelop east of Lake Ontario and continue into early Wednesday.
Roadways potentially impacted include Interstate 90, Interstate 81, Interstate 490, and major state routes such as Route 12. Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly in heavier lake-effect snow bands, particularly overnight when visibility can drop rapidly.
Drivers are urged to reduce speeds, allow extra following distance, and be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions, especially in lake-effect-prone areas. Commuters traveling through higher elevations should plan for snow-covered roads and intermittent blowing snow.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Wednesday as lake-effect activity weakens and shifts north.
