Syracuse, N.Y. — A lake effect storm is forecast to dump 8 to 14 inches of snow across most of Central New York, starting Monday evening, according to the latest notice from the National Weather Service.
In one model, the service predicts the Syracuse area could get as much as 15 inches by New Year’s Eve.
At the same time, wind gusts may reach 50 mph as the snow falls, the service said in an update just before 2 p.m. today.
Nearly all of the region will be under a winter storm warning, which starts at 7 p.m. Monday and ends Wednesday morning. That includes Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and part of Cayuga counties.
The snow is part of a larger, diverse weather pattern that is bringing waves of freezing rain, rain, high winds and then snow across much of Upstate New York. The freezing rain, then rain, is expected to start later this afternoon.
As the snow churns up Monday night, travel could be very difficult to impossible, as blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, the service said.
Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes could be hazardous.
The areas in pink will be under a winter storm warning starting at 7 p.m. Monday as 8 to 14 inches of snow is forecast through Wednesday morning.National Weather Service
