Lake Effect Snowstorm in New York: Central and Western New York are preparing for a powerful lake effect snowstorm that will last through New Year’s Eve. Weather experts say some areas could see as much as 2 to 3 feet of snow. The storm will also bring very strong winds, making the situation dangerous for travel and daily life.
Snow will start building quickly, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in some places. According to Syracuse, the Wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph in Central New York and as high as 75 mph in the North Country. Because of this, the National Weather Service warned, “Travel could be very difficult to impossible” and added, “Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.”
Syracuse and Tug Hill Face the Worst Conditions
The snow is expected to intensify after dark. Tuesday will be especially hard, with heavy snowfall throughout the day. Both the morning and evening commutes could become chaotic. In Syracuse, snowfall may reach 18 inches by Wednesday morning. About 12 inches could fall in just 12 hours between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday.
The Tug Hill plateau may see the heaviest snow. Areas south of Watertown and Fort Drum could receive up to 3 feet. Winds there could reach hurricane strength. The weather service warned that these winds could knock down trees and power lines and make driving nearly impossible. Officials said, “Whiteout conditions are expected starting this afternoon and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”
Warnings Issued as Storm Continues through Wednesday
Winter storm warnings are in place for many counties near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Snow will begin this morning in Western New York and later today in Central New York. The storm could last through Wednesday. Strong winds may also pull trees out of the ground because the soil is soft from recent rain and melting snow. In a rare message, the Buffalo weather office advised people to “avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees.”
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This storm adds to earlier weather problems. Parts of Upstate New York already received 6 to 10 inches of snow last Friday night. Freezing rain also made roads slippery on Sunday. The North Country and Capital Region may still see more ice today.
