Syracuse, NY – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for much of Central New York ahead of a prolonged period of lake-effect snow expected to begin Thursday afternoon, continue through Thanksgiving evening, and persist into Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Binghamton.
According to forecasters, the watch covers Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties, including communities such as Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Clay, Rome, Oneida, Camden, Cazenovia, Skaneateles, and Hamilton. Additional counties may be added as confidence increases in band placement.
The latest NWS probability maps show high chances (60–85%) of more than 4 inches of snow across the Syracuse metro, Oneida Lake region, and the Tug Hill Foothills. Areas such as Camden, Boonville, Cazenovia, Tully, Clay, and Rome show the strongest probabilities, with some zones approaching near 90% confidence for heavier totals.
Snow is expected to intensify Thanksgiving afternoon as colder air flows across Lake Ontario. Persistent lake-effect bands could lead to rapidly changing visibility, slick roads, and hazardous travel—especially along I-81, I-90, Route 49, Route 31, and Route 20.
In addition to snow, gusty winds of 30–40 mph are expected Thursday and Friday, which could cause blowing and drifting snow and lead to scattered travel disruptions. Wind chills may fall into the single digits and teens, increasing the risk of cold exposure for anyone outdoors during the holiday.
The NWS cautions that band placement may shift repeatedly, meaning snow totals will vary significantly over short distances. Travel is likely to be most challenging Thursday evening through early Friday.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts throughout the holiday period.
