SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A lake-effect snow event is setting up across central New York Monday evening, promising bursts of heavy snow and dangerous travel through Tuesday night. Forecasters say accumulations between 3 and 7 inches are likely across Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida Counties, with the heaviest totals expected north and east of Syracuse.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday for Madison, Onondaga, and both northern and southern Oneida Counties. Multiple rounds of snow showers will pass through the region, with visibility dropping rapidly in heavier bursts and slick roads forming overnight.
Travel impacts are expected to worsen for both the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, particularly along Interstate 81, Route 12, and the New York State Thruway (I-90) between Syracuse and Utica. While daytime accumulations will be limited to grassy areas, nighttime temperatures will allow roads to ice up quickly, especially on bridges and secondary routes.
Forecasters warn that strong winds may enhance snow intensity at times and create brief whiteouts. Drivers are urged to slow down and prepare for rapidly changing conditions, even where snow totals vary sharply over a few miles.
