Oswego, NY – A powerful lake effect snowstorm is set to impact the Eastern Lake Ontario region starting 7 a.m. Friday and continuing through 7 p.m. Monday, with snowfall totals expected to reach 3 to 5 feet in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snow will fall in persistent lake effect bands, significantly reducing visibility and creating dangerous road conditions. The affected counties—Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis—will see varying conditions, with some areas experiencing heavy snowfall while others remain relatively clear.
Travelers heading out for Black Friday shopping or returning home from Thanksgiving gatherings are urged to use extreme caution. Officials warn that conditions may change rapidly, and visibility could drop to near zero within snow bands. Both the Friday morning and evening commutes are expected to be significantly impacted.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time, avoid sudden braking, and carry emergency kits in their vehicles, including food, water, blankets, and flashlights. Those in the hardest-hit areas should consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
This multi-day event could leave residents digging out well into next week, as snowplows and emergency services focus on keeping major roads passable. Temperatures are expected to remain cold, meaning the snowpack will likely persist beyond Monday.
