SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued multiple winter weather alerts for Central New York, warning of difficult travel and hazardous conditions through the end of the week.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday for Onondaga, Madison, and southern Oneida counties, including Syracuse, Utica, Oneida, Rome, and Hamilton. Forecasters said snow and a brief period of mixed precipitation will bring 2 to 5 inches of accumulation by early Thursday, with winds gusting up to 40 mph.
A winter storm watch is also in effect from late Wednesday night through Friday morning for the same area, with the potential for heavy lake effect snow developing behind the main system. Additional accumulations of 7 inches or more are possible, especially downwind of Lake Ontario, where persistent snow bands are expected to set up Thursday into Thursday night.
Travel could become very difficult, the weather service said, as snow and blowing snow will reduce visibility across roadways. The Wednesday morning and evening commutes are expected to be impacted, and conditions could worsen Thursday as the lake effect snow intensifies.
Forecasters said snow will arrive early Wednesday morning and continue steadily through the day before transitioning to intermittent snow showers overnight. As colder air moves in, westerly winds could cause drifting and localized whiteout conditions across open areas, particularly along the Interstate 81 corridor.
Motorists are urged to slow down and use caution when driving, especially in rural or higher-elevation areas. The New York State Department of Transportation advises checking 511ny.org for up-to-date road conditions.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates as the lake effect pattern strengthens late Thursday and continues into Friday morning.
