 |
| Powerful Winter Storm to Impact Upstate NY: Snow, Ice, High Winds, and Bitter Cold Ahead |
A significant winter storm is set to sweep across Upstate New York this weekend, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain through Sunday night.
But the storm’s impact won’t end there—severe conditions will persist into early next week, with strong winds, frigid temperatures, and the potential for heavy lake-effect snow lasting through Tuesday. Travel hazards will be widespread, and the combination of ice and high winds may lead to scattered power outages.
 |
| Powerful Winter Storm to Impact Upstate NY: Snow, Ice, High Winds, and Bitter Cold Ahead |
According to the National Weather Service, “A powerful storm system will track from the southern plains and move directly over the region by early Sunday morning.”
Multiple weather alerts have been issued, including a winter storm warning for the North Country and Adirondacks, and a high wind watch extending from the Finger Lakes to the Vermont border.
 |
| Powerful Winter Storm to Impact Upstate NY: Snow, Ice, High Winds, and Bitter Cold Ahead |
What to Expect:
Snowfall
Snow will begin falling in Western New York this morning, gradually intensifying as it moves eastward. Several inches are expected across the region, with Central New York likely receiving between 4 and 6 inches. The Tug Hill area could see higher totals due to lake-effect enhancement from Lake Ontario.
Freezing Rain and Ice Accumulation
Temperatures will rise throughout today and into Sunday morning, causing snow to transition into freezing rain and, in some areas, plain rain.
Icy conditions could make roads, sidewalks, and trees hazardous. Ice accumulation could reach a quarter-inch or more from Madison County through the Southern Tier and Catskills. While Syracuse is expected to see slightly less accumulation, conditions will still be treacherous.
The National Weather Service warns that ice buildup on trees and power lines may lead to scattered power outages.
In Central New York, freezing rain is expected to turn into rain by late Sunday morning as temperatures climb.
Frigid Temperatures and High Winds
As the storm moves away late Sunday, it will usher in some of the coldest temperatures of the season. Afternoon highs in the upper 30s will plunge into the teens by early Monday. Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, will develop Sunday night and persist into Monday.
Monday’s temperatures will struggle to rise above 20 degrees, and wind chills could dip below zero Monday and Tuesday mornings. Throughout both days, wind chills will likely remain in the single digits, making conditions dangerously cold.
 |
| Powerful Winter Storm to Impact Upstate NY: Snow, Ice, High Winds, and Bitter Cold Ahead |
Lake-Effect Snow
The combination of strong winds and frigid air moving over the Great Lakes is expected to trigger another round of intense lake-effect snowfall, especially for areas along and north of the Thruway.
Forecasters warn that “heavy lake-effect snow may develop from Sunday night through Tuesday night, especially in regions north of Interstate 90.”
Prepare for Hazardous Conditions
Residents should prepare for difficult travel, power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures. Stay updated on weather alerts, limit unnecessary travel, and take precautions to stay safe during this impactful winter storm.
