Key Takeaways:
- More than a foot of snow is expected in northern Onondaga and southern Oswego counties
- Three feet or more of snow could fall in a small pocket of Oswego County just off Lake Ontario
- The Buffalo area could see a foot of fresh snow
- Syracuse’s northern suburbs could get 12 to 18 inches of snow
- Winter storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings are in effect for nine Upstate counties until Saturday morning
- Travel is expected to be very difficult to nearly impossible with near-zero visibility and deep snow cover on roads
Introduction to the Storm
The new year is bringing more of the same winter weather that characterized the end of the old one, with waves of lake effect snow hitting parts of Upstate New York. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings for all or part of nine Upstate counties, including northern Onondaga and southern Oswego counties, where more than a foot of snow is expected to fall. The warnings urge drivers to stay off the roads if possible, as travel is expected to be very difficult to nearly impossible with near-zero visibility and deep snow cover on roads.
Snowfall Predictions
The snowfall predictions vary by location, with the city of Syracuse expected to get just 2 to 3 inches of snow. However, the northern suburbs of Syracuse, from Clay to Brewerton, could get 12 to 18 inches of snow today and early Saturday. In Oswego County, the snow could fall at a blinding rate of 3 to 5 inches per hour, with three feet or more of snow possible in a small pocket of the county just off Lake Ontario. The Buffalo area could also see a foot of fresh snow, adding to the already significant snowfall totals for the season. Syracuse has had more than 6 feet of snow so far this season, with the first wave of lake effect snow earlier this week producing record-breaking snowfall in the area.
Lake Effect Snow
The lake effect snow is driven by winds that pick up moisture from Lake Ontario and drop it on the surrounding land. When the winds come from the west, they whip down the entire length of the lake, picking up more moisture to drop on the Tug Hill plateau. This means that Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties can get more snow from lake effect storms than Syracuse, which is affected by northwest winds that cut across the width of the lake. The weather service recorded 24.2 inches of snow on Monday, the second-snowiest day since records began 123 years ago, and Oswego County is now in the bull’s-eye of the storm as the winds have shifted to the west.
Winter Storm Warnings
The winter storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings are in effect until Saturday morning, and the National Weather Service is urging drivers to exercise extreme caution if they must travel. The warnings indicate that travel will be very difficult to nearly impossible, with near-zero visibility and deep snow cover on roads. The weather service is also warning of the possibility of becoming stranded, and is advising drivers to be prepared for severe winter driving conditions. The warnings cover all or part of nine Upstate counties, including Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, which are expected to be the hardest hit by the storm.
Impact on Daily Life
The lake effect snow is expected to have a significant impact on daily life in the affected areas, with travel disruptions and school closures possible. The heavy snowfall and high winds will make it difficult for people to venture outdoors, and the deep snow cover on roads will make it challenging for plows to keep up with the snowfall. The weather service is advising people to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, and to be prepared for power outages and other disruptions. The snow is also expected to have an impact on local businesses, with some possibly closing or reducing hours due to the weather.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lake effect snow is expected to bring significant snowfall to parts of Upstate New York, with winter storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings in effect until Saturday morning. The snowfall predictions vary by location, but the northern suburbs of Syracuse and Oswego County are expected to be the hardest hit. The weather service is urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and to stay off the roads if possible, and is warning of the possibility of becoming stranded. The snow is expected to have a significant impact on daily life, with travel disruptions and school closures possible, and people are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.