Syracuse, NY – Dangerous lake-effect snow will redevelop across central and northern New York late tonight, forming intense bands capable of shutting down travel from Syracuse to Rome and across the Tug Hill Plateau. Gusts approaching 40 to 50 mph will drive blowing and drifting snow, creating whiteouts into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Binghamton and Buffalo, multiple Lake Effect Snow Warnings begin overnight for Onondaga, Oneida, Madison, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie, and Allegany Counties. Bands developing after midnight will strengthen quickly by daybreak Friday, with 1–2 inch per hour bursts expected from the Syracuse metro northward along I-81 and east into the higher terrain. Forecasters highlight the Tug Hill and Chautauqua Ridge as hotspots for 12–22 inch totals.
According to state transportation officials, Thanksgiving return travel will be impacted from early Friday through Friday night. Rapid shifts in band placement may turn clear pavement into near-zero visibility within minutes on I-81, I-90, Route 12, and Route 20. Blowing snow could also bury secondary roads from Camden to Boonville and throughout southern Oswego County. Strong winds may down branches and cause isolated power outages, especially west of Syracuse and across the western Southern Tier.
According to emergency managers, residents should charge devices, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for drifting that could trap vehicles on rural roads. Heavy snow falling in narrow corridors will require drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and keep winter kits ready. Conditions will gradually improve after sunrise Saturday as winds weaken.
