New York – Persistent lake effect snow bands will continue impacting portions of central and northern New York through early Thursday, bringing heavy accumulations and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, snow bands off Lake Ontario are expected to remain active today through tonight, with the highest snowfall focused across Herkimer and Hamilton counties, as well as parts of the western Mohawk Valley and southwest Adirondacks.
Snowfall rates within the strongest lake effect bands may reach 0.5 to 1 inch per hour at times, particularly later today and overnight. Total snowfall through Thursday morning is forecast to reach 6 to 8 inches in parts of Herkimer County, with localized totals of 12 to 18 inches possible closer to the Lake Ontario snowbelt west of Syracuse.
Forecasters note that the exact placement of the heaviest snow will depend on where lake effect bands persist the longest. Bands may shift eastward down the Mohawk Valley, with snow showers occasionally extending as far east as the Capital Region, including Albany, though lighter accumulations are expected there.
A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect for northern Herkimer County through 7 a.m. Thursday, while surrounding areas are under Winter Storm Warnings or Winter Weather Advisories.
Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions, especially during the overnight and early morning hours, when visibility may drop sharply beneath heavier snow bands.
