The Finger Lakes region is getting a full taste of winter to start the week, as an arctic airmass surges across Western and Central New York, bringing snow, cold, and difficult travel conditions — particularly in areas east and southeast of Lake Ontario.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Monroe counties, which remains in effect from 1 p.m. Monday through 1 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say lake effect snow will intensify Monday night, continuing into Tuesday morning, with total snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches possible in the most persistent bands.
Hazardous travel conditions expected
The advisory warns that travel could become hazardous, especially during the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes, with visibility rapidly dropping in narrow snow bands.
“Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands,” the NWS cautioned. “If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.”
The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur overnight Monday into early Tuesday, when stronger lake effect bands will be supported by colder temperatures and increased moisture over the region. Areas outside of the advisory zone may still see scattered snow showers, but the worst impacts are expected near the southern shores of Lake Ontario.
Today (Monday): Bitter cold and snowy in spots
Temperatures will struggle to climb above freezing today across much of the Finger Lakes, especially in higher elevations. Winds from the north and northwest will push cold air over Lakes Erie and Ontario, triggering lake effect snow bands in favored locations. While most areas will experience light, on-and-off snow showers, accumulations will be minor for many through the daylight hours…