(Madison County, NY – Jan. 11, 2016) The National Weather Service has issued a lake effect snow warning from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. Wednesday for Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties.
Heavy lake effect snow is expected with accumulations of 12 to 18 inches possible from Syracuse to Cazenovia eastward to Rome and Utica.
A weak low pressure system will track to the north on Tuesday and bring light snow to most of Central New York. Cold air will push in behind the system as winds shift to the northwest and develop heavy lake effect snows southward into Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties Tuesday night and Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall rates are expected Wednesday morning.
The lake effect snows will taper off by Wednesday evening and the bands shift back to the north.
Dangerous travel, very poor visibility with blowing and drifting snow could make keeping roads clear challenging.
Winds expected at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40.
Temperatures between 13 and 24 degrees.
A lake effect snow warning means significant amounts of snow are forecasted. Travel will be very hazardous or impossible. Typically these types of bands are likely to be intense enough to drop one to several inches of snow per hour for several hours.
Travel is discouraged but if you must travel, keep and extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.
Snowfall amounts can be reported to the National Weather Service by calling toll free (877) 633-6772 or by email to Atbgm.Stormreport@Noaa.Gov.