Interstate 81, New York – Intense lake-effect snow bands will impact I-81 travel on New Year’s Eve tonight, producing rapid snowfall rates and hazardous driving.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, strong, narrow lake-effect snow off Lake Ontario will continue this morning, then intensify again this evening, with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour possible within the strongest bands. Conditions can deteriorate quickly with near-zero visibility and snow-covered roads.
The highest impacts are expected along I-81 from Brewerton and Parish north through Pulaski and Adams Center, with bands shifting toward the Watertown metro later this evening. Graphics indicate rates exceeding ½ inch per hour in multiple segments, with peak bursts capable of overwhelming plowing operations.
Travel impacts are most likely New Year’s Eve evening through late night, coinciding with holiday travel. Additional snowfall outside the main lake-effect bands may spread across north-central New York into the evening, compounding conditions.
Drivers should be prepared for rapid changes over short distances—clear pavement can turn to whiteout conditions within minutes. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and consider delaying travel if possible. Alternate routes may also be affected as bands wobble.
Conditions may remain challenging into New Year’s Day (Thursday) in areas north and east of Lake Ontario before gradually improving as bands weaken or shift.
This alert is especially relevant for New Year’s Eve travelers, overnight workers, and early New Year’s Day commuters along the I-81 corridor.
