BUFFALO, N.Y. — Drivers across western and north-central New York face slick roads before sunrise Thursday as lake effect snow bands intensify overnight, dropping up to 5 inches in persistent areas and setting up a slow morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday for Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego and Lewis counties. Lake effect snow will produce an additional 2 to 5 inches, with the heaviest accumulation falling in narrow, slow-moving bands east and southeast of Lake Ontario.
Communities including Newark, Fair Haven, Oswego and Lowville could see rapidly changing conditions within just a few miles. Roads along Interstate 81, Route 104 and Route 12 may turn snow-covered quickly, especially where bands stall for an hour or more. Visibility can drop sharply under heavier bursts while nearby areas remain nearly dry.
Motorists heading out early Thursday should allow extra travel time, reduce speed and be ready for sudden whiteouts. Keep headlights on and increase following distance, particularly on untreated secondary roads.
Snow showers will taper after daybreak, but slick spots may linger into midmorning. Additional advisories could be issued if bands redevelop or shift farther inland.
