Parts of central New York remain under a Winter Storm Warning as heavy lake effect snow and damaging winds continue to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, Madison, Onondaga, Northern Oneida, and Southern Oneida counties — including Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Oneida, Hamilton, and Boonville — could see an additional 10 to 20 inches of snow before the warning expires at 7 a.m. EST Wednesday. Localized snowfall totals may exceed forecasts where lake effect snow bands persist.
Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with bursts of up to 3 inches per hour, are possible through Tuesday morning. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will cause widespread blowing and drifting snow, frequently reducing visibility to below one-quarter mile. The National Weather Service warns that whiteout and occasional blizzard conditions are likely.
In southern Cayuga County, including Auburn, snowfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are expected through Wednesday morning. The heaviest snowfall is forecast near Sennett, with rapidly changing visibility due to blowing snow.
Travel conditions may become very difficult to impossible, particularly during the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches, increasing the risk of localized power disruptions.
Officials caution that weather conditions may change abruptly over short distances as lake effect snow bands shift. Even areas seeing temporary improvement may quickly return to whiteout conditions.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor local alerts, and prepare for rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Those who must travel should carry emergency supplies, including food, water, and a flashlight, and check road conditions by dialing 511 before departure.
