Upstate New York is bracing for a significant snowstorm, particularly affecting Oswego County. Starting Wednesday evening, heavy snow accompanied by dangerous wind chills is expected to impact several regions throughout the state.
Expected Snowfall and Areas Affected
Forecasts predict that Oswego County will experience the brunt of the storm, with total snow accumulations ranging from 6 to 12 inches by Friday afternoon. Other regions will see varying snowfall totals:
- Syracuse area: 4 to 8 inches
- Jefferson County: 5 to 10 inches, particularly in Watertown and Lowville
- Monroe County: 5 to 10 inches, especially in northern areas of Rochester
- Western New York (Niagara, Orleans, Northern Erie, Genesee counties): 5 to 10 inches
- Southern areas (Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie counties): 6 to 12 inches
Timeline for Snowfall
The storm will initiate on Wednesday evening, transitioning from rain to snow as the temperatures drop. A winter weather advisory will be in effect starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, continuing until 1 p.m. Friday for Central New York, including Syracuse.
Significant snowfall will initially occur during the overnight hours, creating hazardous conditions as wet surfaces freeze. As the primary weather system moves through on Thursday, a secondary round of lake effect snow is expected to commence Thursday evening. This lake effect snow will likely continue adding to the total accumulation until Friday afternoon.
Winter Storm Warnings
Oswego County is currently under a winter storm warning, valid until 1 p.m. Friday. In Jefferson and Lewis Counties, a warning is in place until 7 a.m. Friday. Both areas are prepared for heavy snow, particularly on the Tug Hill Plateau, which is likely to see the highest snowfall amounts.
Key Precautions
Residents are advised to remain cautious during this winter storm. As conditions may result in icy surfaces and low visibility, travelers are encouraged to prepare for potential disruptions and stay informed through local weather updates.
Interactive maps available on El-Balad provide real-time snowfall forecasts for specific locations across New York State. Users can view detailed projections by selecting their area on the map.
