Some Locations in Western and Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and North Country Could See up to 2 or More Feet of Snow by Weekend
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the lake effect snow event beginning this afternoon and continuing into the weekend for areas in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country. Rain will change over to snow starting this afternoon across higher elevations and western areas, then later across the valleys and eastern areas. Areas in northern Cayuga, northern Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, could see total snow accumulations of up to 4 feet through the entirety of the prolonged event in the most persistent lake snows. The greatest accumulations of snow will be across the Tug Hill Plateau. Other areas could see up to 2 or more feet of snow. Most of the snow is expected starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. Strong and gusty winds up to 45 mph in some places are forecast to begin today and last through Thursday evening. New Yorkers should pay close attention to local weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel as the combination of snow and strong winds will likely bring down tree branches, cause near-whiteout conditions within heavy snow bands and result in large snow drifts.
“As the first lake effect storm of the new year moves in, I’ve mobilized our State resources in preparation for significant snowfall and strong winds,” Governor Hochul said. “We are working in close coordination with our local partners, and I encourage everyone to stay alert and monitor their local forecast.”…