Syracuse, NY – Heavy lake-effect snow is expected to create dangerous travel conditions across Central New York starting early Thursday morning, as a Lake Effect Snow Warning takes effect for Onondaga, Madison, and Southern Oneida counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, widespread snow this evening will taper off by midnight before intense lake-effect bands develop off Lake Ontario. The warning begins at 1 a.m. Thursday and remains in effect through 7 a.m. Friday, with 6 to 12 inches of accumulation possible in the hardest-hit areas. Wind gusts may reach 40 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow that will sharply reduce visibility.
Forecasters expect the heaviest snow to center over the Syracuse metro area, extending east into north-central Madison County and into southern Oneida County. Communities such as Oneida, Hamilton, and Rome could see variable totals depending on the exact placement of snow bands. The Mohawk Valley, including Utica and New Hartford, is forecast to receive 2 to 5 inches by Friday morning.
Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour within the most intense bands Thursday afternoon and evening. The Thursday morning and evening commutes are likely to be heavily impacted, with near-whiteout conditions possible on Interstate 81, Route 31, and surrounding secondary roads.
Drivers are urged to slow down, use caution, and keep emergency supplies in vehicles. Visibility and conditions may change rapidly over short distances.
Residents can monitor updates or report snow totals through the National Weather Service Buffalo and Binghamton offices online or on social media.
