The start of 2026 has been marked by significant lake effect snowstorms impacting parts of Upstate New York. Residents are bracing for heavy snowfall throughout the weekend.
Lake Effect Snow Forecasts
The northern regions of Onondaga and southern Oswego counties are expecting over a foot of snow. Some areas in Oswego County, particularly near Lake Ontario, could receive as much as three feet. Buffalo is also bracing for a foot of new snow.
Areas Affected
- Syracuse Northern Suburbs: 12 to 18 inches.
- City of Syracuse: 2 to 3 inches.
- Oswego County: Blinding rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour.
Winter storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings are in effect for nine counties. Officials advise against unnecessary travel due to extremely challenging conditions.
Travel Conditions and Warnings
The National Weather Service has reported that travel may become very difficult, with near-zero visibility due to snow cover on roads. If travel is necessary, residents should be prepared for severe winter driving conditions.
Previous Snowfall Records
This week, a previous wave of lake effect snow set a record in the Syracuse area. On Monday, 24.2 inches was recorded, marking it the second-snowiest day in 123 years of records. So far this season, Syracuse has tallied over six feet of snow.
Oswego County had avoided the initial storm but now finds itself in the path of the current weather system. The shift of winds from the west means that Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties could experience heavier snow accumulation compared to Syracuse.
| County | Expected Snowfall |
|---|---|
| Onondaga | Over 12 inches |
| Oswego | Up to 3 feet |
| Buffalo | 1 foot |
| Syracuse | 2 to 3 inches |
As the lake effect snowstorms continue, residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and take precautions while navigating winter conditions.
