Intense Lake-Effect Snow Band Slams Syracuse and Central New York With 1–3 Inch Per Hour Snowfall Rates
NEW YORK — A powerful lake-effect snow band continues to hammer Syracuse and surrounding areas of Central New York Tuesday evening, producing dangerous snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour and significantly impacting travel across major corridors including Interstate 81 and Interstate 90.
Radar imagery and live traffic cameras confirm that the heaviest snow is focused over the city of Syracuse, its northern and eastern suburbs, and extending east along I-90 into the Mohawk Valley, including the Utica area, where conditions have rapidly deteriorated.
Snowfall Rates Intensifying Across Syracuse and Nearby Suburbs
According to weather radar from the National Weather Service office in Binghamton, intense lake-effect snow has been ongoing since the afternoon and is expected to continue through the evening hours.
The strongest band is delivering:
- 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour, with
- Localized bursts reaching up to 3 inches per hour
Communities seeing the most persistent snow include Baldwinsville, Clay, Brewerton, Camillus, Cicero, Oneida, Delta Lake, and Rome, with visibility frequently dropping to near zero during heavier bursts.
I-81, I-90, and Local Roads Becoming Hazardous
Traffic camera images from downtown Utica and I-81 Exit 27 north of Syracuse show snow-covered roadways, reduced visibility, and slow-moving traffic, particularly during periods of heavier snowfall.
Drivers traveling along:
- Interstate 81 through the Syracuse metro
- Interstate 90 (New York State Thruway) into the Mohawk Valley
- NY Route 5, NY Route 12, and NY Route 55
are encountering rapidly changing conditions, including slick pavement and blowing snow.
Why This Lake-Effect Band Is So Intense
The ongoing event is being fueled by cold northwest flow crossing Lake Ontario, allowing heat and moisture from the lake to generate persistent, narrow snow bands. Once these bands become locked in place, snowfall can intensify dramatically over a small area while nearby locations receive far less snow.
This setup is especially favorable for high snowfall rates and quick accumulation, making even short trips dangerous.
Snow Expected to Continue Into the Evening
Forecast guidance indicates that lake-effect snow will persist through the evening, with only minor shifts in band position possible. Any east or west movement of the band could bring sudden heavy snow to nearby communities with little warning.
Residents are advised to closely monitor conditions, as snowfall intensity can change rapidly over just a few miles.
Travel and Safety Impacts
With snowfall rates this high, impacts include:
- Rapid accumulation on untreated roads
- Whiteout or near-whiteout conditions
- Increased accident risk
- Difficult travel for emergency vehicles
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary travel in areas under the heaviest snow band.
As lake-effect snow continues to impact Central New York, conditions remain highly localized but potentially dangerous.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued updates on lake-effect snow, travel conditions, and winter weather impacts across Syracuse, Utica, and Central New York.