Snowy Surprises: Central New York Braces for Winter's Wrath

Central New York is gearing up for another round of winter weather. A winter weather advisory is in place for several counties, including Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis. The main culprit? Lake effect snow, which is expected to make its presence felt on Thursday. The National Weather Service predicts that some areas could see between 3 and 5 inches of snow by the end of the day. But it's not just the snowfall that's causing concern. Winds gusting up to 35 mph will make the situation worse, leading to blowing and drifting snow. The timing of this winter weather is particularly noteworthy. In Onondaga and Madison counties, the advisory is set to begin at 7 a. m. on Thursday and last until 7 p. m. However, for counties further north of Syracuse, the snow could start as early as Wednesday night and continue into Thursday afternoon. This means that the Thursday morning commute could be a bit of a challenge. The weather service warns that lake effect snow falls in narrow bands, which can cause road conditions to change quickly. So, if you're planning to travel, it's important to stay alert and be prepared for sudden changes. But what exactly is lake effect snow? It's a weather phenomenon that occurs when cold air moves over warmer lake waters. This causes the air to rise and form clouds, which can then produce heavy snowfall. It's a common occurrence in the Great Lakes region, including Central New York. So, as the region braces for another round of winter weather, it's important to stay informed and be prepared. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your travels accordingly.