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A winter weather advisory has been issued for Central New York, with residents in Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties facing potentially hazardous conditions through early Thursday morning.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 12:47 a.m. on Tuesday, which remains in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday until 1 a.m. Thursday, according to Syracuse.com. Forecasters predict snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches across the region, along with a light glaze of ice.
The weather system is expected to develop in phases, beginning with a clipper system bringing snow Tuesday morning and early afternoon. Temperatures are projected to rise into the lower and mid-30s by afternoon, potentially transforming precipitation into a mix that includes freezing drizzle. Following a cold front passage, lake effect snow is expected to deliver the bulk of accumulation Tuesday night into Wednesday.
"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes," the National Weather Service warns.
The advisory is part of a larger weather pattern affecting much of northern and eastern New York state. Some areas in the Tug Hill plateau could see between 6 to 11 inches of snow, while lower elevations might receive 3 to 6 inches.
For the Mohawk Valley specifically, WKTV reports that snow accumulation by 7 p.m. Tuesday is expected to reach 1-3 inches, with areas north of the valley potentially seeing 3-6 inches. Additional accumulation of 2-4 inches is anticipated overnight and into Wednesday.
Weather conditions should improve by Thursday, with sunshine expected to return late in the day as the clipper system moves out of the region. Temperatures will remain seasonal, with highs in the mid-20s Thursday and gradually warming to the low 30s by the weekend.
Officials remind drivers to slow down, use caution while traveling, and check road conditions before heading out. The latest road and weather conditions can be heard on NewsRadio 570 WSYR.