Watertown, New York – A prolonged stretch of dangerous winter weather is impacting the Eastern Lake Ontario region, with back-to-back Winter Storm Warnings bringing heavy lake effect snow, strong winds, and severe travel disruptions through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday for Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties as lake effect snow continues. Additional accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible in the most persistent snow bands, with wind gusts up to 40 mph causing blowing and drifting snow and sharply reduced visibility.
A second and more impactful Winter Storm Warning takes effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. During this period, widespread heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations of 12 to 18 inches across much of the region. Areas along the Tug Hill Plateau could see up to two feet of snow as snowfall intensifies and persists.
Travel conditions are expected to be very difficult at times, especially along Interstate 81, Route 104, and Route 177. Blowing snow may lead to near-whiteout conditions, impacting the Friday evening commute as well as travel Monday and Tuesday. Lake effect snow may redevelop behind the main system Monday night and linger into midweek.
Residents are urged to delay unnecessary travel, prepare for extended winter conditions, and allow extra time if driving is unavoidable. The series of Winter Storm Warnings highlights the potential for prolonged disruptions across northern New York, with additional advisories possible as lake effect snow continues.
