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Central New York residents should prepare for hazardous weather conditions as a winter weather advisory remains in effect through Friday morning. The National Weather Service has issued the advisory for most of the region, warning of mixed precipitation and potentially dangerous road conditions.
The advisory, which began at 6 a.m. Friday (February 20) and extends until 7 a.m. Saturday (February 21), covers Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, and Oneida counties. According to forecasters, the region could see between two and four inches of mixed precipitation, with particular concern about ice accumulation that may trigger power outages and treacherous driving conditions.
Friday's Changing Conditions
Finger Lakes Weather reports that rain moving through the region Friday morning will transition to snow by evening as a cold front passes through. While most areas should see no more than a coating to an inch of accumulation, locations north of the Thruway have the best chance for steadier snow overnight, with locally a couple of inches possible. Temperatures hovering around the freezing mark mean some roads may become slick and snowy, though overall travel impacts should be relatively low.
Weekend Snow Expected
The wintry pattern continues through the weekend. Saturday will bring lake effect snow flurries and squalls, with temperatures mainly above freezing helping to keep most roads in decent shape. Brief travel interruptions remain possible with any squalls, especially on secondary and rural roads.
Sunday presents the most significant snow event of the weekend, with widespread, steady snow expected throughout the day. Most areas should accumulate between one and three inches, with higher elevations more prone to the higher end of that range. Daytime highs in the mid 30s should help keep most roads in decent shape, though secondary and rural roads may become snowy depending on treatment and traffic.
Early Week Outlook
Lingering snow showers will continue Monday as a weak low pressure system meanders across the region, with little accumulation expected. However, temperatures will be cooler and generally below freezing, potentially creating some snowy road conditions.
Tuesday brings a shot of cold air, with morning temperatures dropping into the 10s and afternoon highs only reaching the low 20s. Wind chills may dip below zero Friday morning, though only scattered light snow showers are expected.
Another weather system is forecast to pass through Tuesday night or early Wednesday, potentially bringing a quick inch or two of snow that could impact the morning commute.
Residents can hear the latest weather updates on NewsRadio 570 WSYR.