Madison County, NY / Oneida County, NY – The National Weather Service has issued an updated winter weather advisory for Madison and Oneida counties, warning residents to prepare for accumulating snow, hazardous travel, and rapidly changing road conditions through early Saturday.
The advisory was released at 12:29 a.m. Friday and remains in effect from 5 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the weather service.
Snowfall Forecast and Affected Areas
Forecasters say total snow accumulations between 2 and 7 inches are expected, particularly along and north of U.S. Route 20, with the highest snowfall totals near and north of Interstate 90.
The weather service explained that lake-effect snow bands will repeatedly shift across the region, creating uncertainty in exact snowfall amounts.
Officials cautioned that residents may see sharp cutoffs in snow totals, meaning some communities could experience heavy snowfall while nearby areas receive significantly less.
Travel Conditions Expected to Be Difficult
The advisory warns that travel could be very difficult, especially during Friday morning and evening commutes.
According to the weather service, lake-effect snow can cause rapid changes in visibility and road conditions, with drivers encountering heavy snow in one area and dry pavement just a few miles away.
Motorists are urged to slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions can be obtained by dialing 511 for state-specific travel updates.
Why Lake-Effect Snow Is Especially Dangerous
Lake-effect snow storms are known for producing intense, localized snowfall, often accompanied by sudden drops in visibility. These conditions can make highways, secondary roads, and rural routes especially hazardous in a short amount of time.
The weather service emphasized that drivers should be prepared for quickly deteriorating conditions, even if roads appear clear at the start of a trip.
Winter Driving Safety Guidance from the Weather Service
Winter weather contributes to more than 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year, according to national safety data. Officials stress that caution is essential whenever snow or freezing temperatures are present.
Share Your Travel Plans
If you must travel during hazardous winter weather, inform a family member or friend of your destination, planned route, and expected arrival time.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Drivers should keep their gas tank full and carry winter essentials, including:
- Windshield scraper
- Jumper cables
- Small shovel
- Flashlight
- Cell phone and charger
- Blanket and extra warm clothing
- Drinking water
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
Stay Calm If You Become Stranded
If you become stranded:
- Stay with your vehicle and avoid walking for help
- Notify someone of your location
- Signal for assistance by tying a cloth to your antenna or mirror
- Use dome lights and hazard flashers to increase visibility
Never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, immediately dial 911.
Be Mindful of Snow Plows
Allow snow plows plenty of space and only pass when you have a clear, safe view of the roadway ahead.
Check Road Conditions Before Leaving
Before heading out, review current road and weather conditions to determine whether travel is necessary.
What Residents Should Do Next
Residents in Madison and Oneida counties should monitor weather updates, limit unnecessary travel, and plan ahead for changing conditions as lake-effect snow continues to impact the region through Saturday morning.
Conditions may improve quickly once snow bands move out, but officials warn that localized hazardous travel may persist longer in some areas.
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