Syracuse, NY – Central New York is bracing for a dangerous lake-effect snow event tonight as a powerful band settles over Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties. A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in place until 7 a.m. Saturday, with forecasters calling for intense snowfall, strong winds, and rapidly deteriorating travel conditions.
The National Weather Service office in Binghamton reports that snowfall totals may reach 15 to 20 inches in the hardest-hit communities, particularly along and just south of Interstate 90, where the most persistent bands will set up through the overnight hours.
Lake-Effect Snow Bands Targeting Syracuse and Surrounding Areas
Forecasters say this system will lock into a classic late-November lake-effect pattern, funneling heavy snow directly into the Syracuse metro area, northern Madison County, parts of Oneida County, and communities stretching toward Utica.
The snow will intensify late Friday evening and continue at a steady pace until very early Saturday morning. The areas along I-90, I-690, and I-481 are expected to see the worst impacts, with snowfall rates reaching up to 2.5 inches per hour.
Strong Winds Will Worsen Visibility
Meteorologists warn that winds gusting up to 35 mph will create widespread blowing and drifting snow, making visibility difficult for drivers. Even brief bursts of heavier snow could turn clear conditions into whiteout situations within minutes.
“Lake-effect setups like this can change extremely quickly,” the National Weather Service cautioned. “Travel may become dangerous or nearly impossible at times.”
Hazardous Roads Expected During Peak Travel
With many residents still moving around after the Thanksgiving holiday, officials are urging drivers to delay travel whenever possible. Road crews are preparing for continuous plowing through the night, but high snowfall rates will likely overwhelm treatment efforts.
Treacherous road conditions are expected across:
- Syracuse and western Onondaga County
- Northern and central Madison County
- Southern and central Oneida County
- Communities from Cicero to Fayetteville
- Utica and nearby towns
Drivers using I-90, the Thruway, or regional connectors should expect slowdowns, chain-reaction backups, and sudden drops in visibility.
What Drivers Should Do Tonight
Authorities recommend keeping winter safety kits in vehicles, including blankets, chargers, food, and water. Anyone who must travel should check real-time conditions through the New York 511 system, which provides road cameras and updated hazard alerts.
Forecasters emphasize that lake-effect storms can shift only a few miles and completely change impacts, which means conditions may vary drastically from one neighborhood to the next.
A Snowy End to the Thanksgiving Week
This latest burst of lake-effect snow follows a week of wintry weather across upstate New York, marking a harsh start to the final weekend of November. With temperatures staying cold and winds continuing into Saturday, residents should prepare for lingering impacts even after the warning expires.
Officials continue to urge caution for anyone planning to travel tonight, as the heaviest snow will fall between late evening and the early morning hours.
Have you experienced sudden lake-effect snow bursts in your area? Share your updates or road conditions in the comments.
