ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Lake-effect snow continues to surge across much of western and central New York this Monday, bringing bursts of heavy snow, slick roads, and dangerous commutes. Narrow, intense snow bands off Lakes Erie and Ontario are expected to dump 4 to 9 inches in some areas by Tuesday afternoon, with the most persistent bands targeting Monroe, Oswego, Wayne, and northern Cayuga Counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a series of Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across the region through 1 p.m. EST Tuesday. The heaviest snow will develop late Monday afternoon and intensify overnight, producing rapid visibility drops and localized whiteouts, especially near Rochester, Oswego, Springville, and Olean.
Forecasters warn that the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes will be difficult, with roads quickly becoming snow-covered under bursts of 1–2 inches per hour. In Cattaraugus and southern Erie Counties, additional accumulations of 4–8 inches are expected, while Rochester and the Lake Ontario shoreline could see 4–7 inches, mainly north of the Thruway.
Farther north, Jefferson and Lewis Counties are experiencing light ice and mixed precipitation early Monday, adding slickness to bridges and secondary roads before transitioning to snow later.
Drivers are urged to slow down and delay unnecessary travel, as road conditions can vary sharply within a few miles of a lake-effect band.
