A dangerous lake effect snowstorm is expected to hit Upstate New York, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds that could make travel nearly impossible. The storm is predicted to drop 2 to 3 feet of snow in some areas, with intense snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph in Central New York and 75 mph in the North Country will exacerbate the hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service warns that travel could be very difficult or impossible, and areas of blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility. The snowfall is expected to begin after dark tonight and continue through Tuesday, potentially causing significant disruptions to morning and evening commutes.
Syracuse, in particular, could see 18 inches of snow by Wednesday morning, with a foot of that expected in just 12 hours. The Tug Hill plateau, especially south of Watertown and Fort Drum, may receive 3 feet of snow, with hurricane-force winds of 75 mph. The weather service warns of whiteout conditions, making travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Winter storm warnings, the highest level of winter alert, are in place for counties downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
The storm follows a previous snowfall event that brought 6 to 10 inches across parts of Upstate New York on Friday night, and freezing rain that coated roads overnight on Sunday. The North Country and Capital Region may still experience more ice accumulation this morning. The weather service's Buffalo office has issued an unusual warning, urging people to avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees due to the risk of fallen trees.
Forecasting exact snowfall amounts is challenging with lake effect snowstorms because the snow bands are narrow and tend to wobble throughout the storm. The highest snow totals occur where these fickle bands of snow linger for hours. This storm adds to the existing winter weather challenges in the region.
