Heavy Snowfall Alert: Northern New York Braces for Winter's Wrath
Lake-Effect Snow Warning in Effect Until Saturday Morning
Upstate New York is facing a severe weather alert as a lake-effect snow warning remains in place until Saturday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for heavy snowfall and strong winds, which could make travel dangerous and lead to power outages. With New Year's travel in full swing, the situation is critical.
Areas Under Warning
The NWS has identified specific counties under the lake-effect snow warning, including:
- Northern and Southern Oneida County
- Onondaga County
- Madison County
Drivers are advised to exercise caution, as roads can become icy and slippery quickly. Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
Significant Snowfall Expected
A recent post from NWS Binghamton highlighted the areas most affected by heavy lake-effect snow. Cities like Syracuse and Utica are bracing for significant snowfall, with rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour. The snow is expected to continue throughout the day on Saturday, with a clipper system bringing an additional inch of snow on Saturday night.
Meteorologist's Warning
Meteorologist Richard Bann shared that while the lake-effect snow has been tapering off, warnings remain in effect east of Rochester. Some areas could see snowfall amounts of 1 to 2 feet, with isolated spots reaching up to 3 feet. Snowfall rates could reach up to 4 inches per hour, which is a significant amount in a short time.
Winter Weather Extends Beyond New York
It's not just New York experiencing the winter chill. Frigid temperatures, strong winds, and snow squalls have extended watches and warnings across parts of the Midwest and West Coast. This serves as a reminder that winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, so it's crucial to stay informed and prepared.
