Lake effect Snow Pummels Central New York as Winter Intensifies
Table of Contents
- Lake effect Snow Pummels Central New York as Winter Intensifies
- Frequently asked Questions
- What is causing teh intense lake affect snow in Central New York?
- How much snowfall is expected in the affected areas?
- which counties are currently under a lake effect snow warning?
- What recent snowfall totals have been recorded in Syracuse and nearby areas?
- When are the current weather conditions expected to change?
- Frequently asked Questions
Published February 18, 2025
Syracuse, N.Y. – Bitterly cold air streaming across the Great Lakes has set off another round of intense lake effect snow, blanketing Central New York with fresh accumulations through Wednesday morning. Residents in Syracuse should prepare for an additional 5 to 9 inches of snow today and tonight, while localized regions in southern Oswego and northern cayuga counties may experience accumulations up to 20 inches.
The National weather Service warned, Notable lake effect snow will continue today over the NY Thruway corridor with additional accumulations expected through tonight
, emphasizing the persistence of the weather pattern. With highway corridors and suburban areas already affected by recent snowfall, local authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and consider alternate routes where possible.
Since Friday, Syracuse has recorded 21.2 inches of snow, pushing the season’s total to 97.1 inches—a milestone that has not been seen since 2018. Simultaneously occurring, the town of Palermo in Oswego County, recognized as Central New York’s snowiest spot, has accumulated nearly 94.5 inches in just the past two weeks. City planners and state officials are evaluating the impact on road maintenance and public transit, and implementing additional snow removal strategies.
Central new York could see more lake effect snow today, especially north of the Thruway. National weather Service
A lake effect snow warning remains in effect through 6 a.m. wednesday for Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, and northern Cayuga counties, signaling potential disruptions to travel and power outages in the most affected areas. Meteorologists explain that the phenomena is driven by cold, dry air picking up moisture from the relatively warmer waters of Lake Ontario, along with contributions from Lakes Michigan, Huron, and even Lake Superior, more than 600 miles away. This multi-lake connection has been intensifying the snowfall, a scenario that many residents have not experienced since previous historic winters.
This map shows lake effect snow, in blue and green, pouring off Lake Ontario into Oswego County. The band is expected to shift south today and contribute 5 to 9 inches in Syracuse. National Weather Service
Looking ahead, meteorologists predict that the current snow event will gradually taper off by Wednesday. A secondary storm system may introduce sporadic snow showers on Thursday, while the weekend could offer a temporary reprieve with the skies remaining cloudy but largely snow-free and temperatures reaching the upper 30s. In a reassuring update, the weather service noted, Much quieter conditions are expected in time for the weekend
.
“much quieter conditions are expected in time for the weekend,” the weather service said reassuringly.
National Weather Service
These ongoing weather dynamics offer valuable lessons for urban planners and emergency management teams. The regional reliance on multi-state transportation networks necessitates integrated meteorological forecasting and proactive road maintenance. Cities such as Syracuse have drawn comparisons with historical winters like that of 2018, highlighting the importance of adaptive measures. For example, innovative snow removal methods, emergency response drills, and real-time public updates are now more critical than ever, ensuring that communities remain resilient in the face of such natural events.
Moreover, community organizations and local businesses are mobilizing to assist vulnerable populations. Similar to initiatives seen in northern states during heavy snowfall, shelters and local resource centers are being prepared to offer warmth and safety. The continuing multi-lake snow effect, driven by atmospheric conditions from multiple directions, underscores the unpredictability of winter weather and its far-reaching implications for infrastructure and daily life.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and heed advisories from local authorities. Whether planning a commute on the NY Thruway corridor or navigating the rural roads of Oswego County, understanding these fresh accruals and their potential hazards is essential for safety during this intense winter season.
Frequently asked Questions
What is causing teh intense lake affect snow in Central New York?
The heavy snowfall is driven by bitterly cold air streaming over the Great Lakes, which picks up moisture from the relatively warmer waters of Lake Ontario. Additional moisture from Lakes Michigan, Huron, and even Lake Superior contributes to the intensification of the snowfall.
How much snowfall is expected in the affected areas?
Residents in Syracuse are expected to receive an additional 5 to 9 inches of snow today and tonight. In localized regions of southern Oswego and northern Cayuga counties, accumulations could reach up to 20 inches.
which counties are currently under a lake effect snow warning?
A lake effect snow warning is in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday for Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, and northern Cayuga counties, advising residents and motorists to be prepared for travel disruptions and potential power outages.
What recent snowfall totals have been recorded in Syracuse and nearby areas?
Since Friday, Syracuse has recorded 21.2 inches of snow, bringing this season’s total to 97.1 inches—a level not seen since 2018. Meanwhile, the town of Palermo in Oswego County has accumulated nearly 94.5 inches in just the past two weeks.
When are the current weather conditions expected to change?
Meteorologists predict that the current snow event will gradually taper off by Wednesday, with a possibility of sporadic snow showers on Thursday.Over the weekend, skies are expected to remain cloudy but largely snow-free, with temperatures reaching the upper 30s.