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Central New York is bracing for a significant winter storm as the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Wednesday (January 1) at 1 p.m. until Sunday (January 4) at 4 p.m. This alert affects Oneida, Onondaga, and Madison counties, where lake effect snow is expected to bring challenging conditions.
Forecasters predict that the storm could deliver up to seven inches of snow, with strong winds gusting up to 35 mph. These conditions could lead to blowing and drifting snow, making travel difficult or even impossible at times. The National Weather Service warns that the snow bands will be intense and hard to predict, which could result in rapidly changing weather and road conditions.
The storm is expected to start with rain on New Year's Eve, transitioning to snow as temperatures drop to freezing by Wednesday evening. Syracuse and surrounding areas could see up to five inches of snow by Thursday noon. As the week progresses, the snow bands are anticipated to shift northward, continuing to affect parts of Oswego and Oneida counties.
Residents are advised to monitor the latest forecasts and prepare for hazardous travel conditions. Syracuse.com reports that the weather service recommends taking precautions such as sharing travel plans, preparing vehicles with winter supplies, and avoiding travel if possible during the worst of the storm.