The National Weather Service has issued multiple lake effect snow warnings and winter weather alerts for Upstate and Central New York, including Syracuse and Rochester. This means residents should anticipate heavy snowfall and strong winds, particularly in areas east of Lake Ontario, which are expected to face dangerous travel conditions due to intense snow bands, strong winds, and rapidly changing visibility. This weather alert is a critical part of the ongoing winter season, which has already seen significant snowfall in Syracuse and Rochester .
This severe weather alert is expected to impact the region from late Wednesday through Friday morning, with the potential for heavy snowfall and strong winds. The National Weather Service has issued an updated lake effect snow warning in effect until Friday at 7 a.m. for Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties, areas that include Syracuse and other nearby communities. This warning is part of a broader weather pattern that includes both a Winter Weather Advisory and a lake effect snow warning across the region. The lake effect snow is particularly intense in the area, with up to 6 inches of snow expected in some locations, such as Syracuse, Utica, and Rome .
The weather pattern is driven by much colder air moving in behind a departing clipper system, setting up ideal conditions for strong, persistent lake effect snow across western and central New York. This weather pattern has already led to dangerous travel conditions, with forecasters calling for the potential for heavy snowfall and strong winds to persist through Friday. The weather conditions are expected to vary greatly, with bands of locally heavy snow and dry weather just a few miles apart. Visibilities can also vary greatly, making driving conditions particularly hazardous .
This lake effect snow warning comes as a result of the season's first lake effect snowstorm, which is expected to drop heavy snow and make for difficult driving conditions across much of Upstate New York. This weather alert is particularly concerning for areas east of Lake Ontario, where the combination of intense snow bands, strong winds, and rapidly changing visibility can create dangerous travel conditions. The weather conditions are expected to persist into Friday, with potential for heavy snowfall and strong winds to continue through the day. Residents are advised to be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions, and to monitor local weather updates for the latest information. Whether you are in Syracuse, Rochester, or any other affected area, staying informed and cautious is crucial .
