Syracuse, New York, experienced an extraordinary snowfall on Tuesday, marking its snowiest day in nearly 80 years. The relentless lake effect snowstorm buried the city under 24.2 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Syracuse Sets New Snowfall Records
This historic snow accumulation shattered previous records for December 30. It made Tuesday the second-snowiest day in Syracuse’s recorded history, which dates back to 1902. The only day with more snow was February 15, 1946, when 34 inches fell.
Impressive December Totals
Throughout December, Syracuse has recorded 58.5 inches of snow. This amount nearly doubles the average of 30.6 inches for this month. Its current total makes this December the fourth-snowiest on record.
- Season snowfall total: 76.2 inches
- Average snowfall in Syracuse: 128 inches
- Last 25 years: Highest snow season total
Impacts of the Snowstorm
The storm brought severe disruptions to daily life in Syracuse. A third of the streets remained unplowed, significantly affecting trash collection and leading to the closure of community groups and government offices. Major roadways were congested with accidents and disabled vehicles.
Conditions and Forecast
Mayor Ben Walsh described this storm as the worst in years. Wind gusts over 50 mph created near-zero visibility on roads, compounding the challenges.
As the lake effect snow band shifts northward, Oswego is expected to receive over a foot of snow today. Additionally, another storm system known as a clipper might bring several more inches across Upstate New York. This system could also trigger dangerous snow squalls as New Year’s Eve festivities begin.
Residents are advised to stay alert and prepare for potential travel difficulties as another round of snowfall approaches.
