Buffalo, NY – Dangerous lake-effect snow intensified Monday afternoon east of Lake Ontario, with snowfall rates reaching up to 3 inches per hour across parts of Oswego County, creating near-whiteout conditions and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a heavy, slow-moving band of lake-effect snow pushed northward across Oswego County, producing rapid accumulations and snow-covered roads. Forecasters said the most intense portion of the snowband is capable of dumping 3 inches of snow per hour, especially within its core.
Traffic camera footage along Interstate 81 near Richland showed sharply reduced visibility and fully snow-covered lanes Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service warned that travel could become nearly impossible at times where the snowband remains stationary.
Officials say the snowband is expected to gradually lift north toward the Tug Hill Plateau later Monday into the evening. A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday for the eastern Lake Ontario region, including Oswego County.
Meteorologists explained the extreme snowfall rates are the result of cold air moving over the relatively warm waters of Lake Ontario, a classic setup for intense lake-effect snow. These bands can remain narrowly focused but extremely disruptive, with conditions changing dramatically over just a few miles.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel in warned areas. Those who must travel should expect sudden drops in visibility, rapidly accumulating snow, and slick road conditions, particularly on untreated highways and secondary roads.
Residents are advised to closely monitor forecast updates, as even small shifts in wind direction could relocate the most intense snowfall with little warning.
