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Oswego County residents are facing another day of heavy snowfall as the National Weather Service's lake effect snow warning remains in effect until Thursday (January 29) at 7 p.m.
The updated warning, issued Wednesday morning, indicates that Oswego County could receive an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow in areas experiencing the most persistent lake effect bands. This comes as part of a broader weather system affecting several upstate New York counties, including Cayuga, Jefferson, and Lewis.
Snowfall rates may reach 2 to 3 inches per hour during intense periods, creating hazardous travel conditions throughout the region. Weather officials note that the constant movement of snow bands makes precise forecasting challenging.
"The snow band was expected to shift southwest on Wednesday morning, moving heavy snow from Wayne and northern Cayuga counties northeast across Oswego County before reaching Jefferson County by Wednesday afternoon," according to the National Weather Service.
By Wednesday evening, meteorologists predict that one or two lake effect bands in Jefferson County will consolidate into a single heavy band and move south across the Tug Hill region back into Oswego County overnight. Western Oswego County and far northern Cayuga County are expected to experience the heaviest accumulations through early Thursday afternoon.
The Weather Service cautions that lake-effect snow will fall in narrow but intense bands, leading to rapidly changing conditions. Drivers are urged to use caution and be prepared for sudden drops in visibility and slick roads.
Residents should prepare for difficult travel conditions, especially during commuting hours. Local authorities recommend limiting unnecessary travel while snow removal operations continue throughout the affected areas.
Looking ahead, more limited lake effect snow is expected to continue Friday through Saturday, though with less intensity than the current system.