Syracuse, New York – Travel across central New York is turning increasingly dangerous Tuesday night as intense snowfall rates and blowing snow create near-whiteout conditions ahead of the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday for Onondaga, Madison, Northern Oneida, and Southern Oneida counties. An additional 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected overnight, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour and localized bursts approaching 3 inches per hour. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are worsening visibility and leading to widespread blowing and drifting snow.
In the Syracuse metro area, roads including Interstate 81, Interstate 90, and Route 481 are becoming snow-covered and hazardous. Travel conditions are rapidly deteriorating across Utica, Rome, Oneida, Hamilton, and Boonville, with the Mohawk Valley expected to pick up an additional 6 to 9 inches before snow tapers off early Wednesday.
Officials warn that visibility may drop below a quarter mile at times, making travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Emergency managers urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel overnight and into the early morning hours. If travel cannot be avoided, motorists should carry emergency supplies and allow extra time.
Snow intensity is expected to gradually ease around or shortly after daybreak Wednesday, but slick roads and blowing snow may linger into the morning commute. Additional advisories could follow if lake-enhanced snow bands persist.
