Oswego, New York – Travel across parts of central and northern New York remains dangerous tonight as heavy snow transitions into a prolonged lake effect event expected to last through midweek, with the greatest impacts focused east of Lake Ontario.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday for Oswego, northern Cayuga, Monroe, and Wayne counties. An additional Lake Effect Snow Warning will then take over from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening for Oswego and northern Cayuga counties. Additional overnight snowfall of up to 3 inches is expected before lake effect bands intensify.
Oswego County could see the most significant accumulations, with 1 to 2 feet of snow possible in areas repeatedly impacted by persistent lake effect bands. Far northern Cayuga County may see totals between 8 and 14 inches. Snowfall rates could become heavy at times, leading to rapidly changing road conditions and sharply reduced visibility.
Farther west, including Rochester and Newark, heavy snow continues overnight with snow-covered roads likely through early Tuesday. While accumulations will be lower than areas east of the lake, untreated roads may remain slick during the morning commute.
Lake effect snow bands are expected to shift north and south through Thursday, allowing brief breaks between rounds. Drivers are urged to delay travel when possible, prepare for sudden whiteout conditions, and allow extra time if travel is unavoidable. Additional updates and warnings are expected as band placement becomes clearer.
