Photo: shaunl / E+ / Getty Images
A significant winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to Central New York starting Sunday, with accumulations between 12 and 18 inches predicted through Monday evening.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for portions of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania, effective from 1 a.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday. Officials warn that travel conditions could become "very difficult to impossible," potentially disrupting both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
According to Syracuse.com, the heaviest snowfall is forecast for south-central New York and areas extending into Northeast Pennsylvania and the Catskills. Snowfall rates could exceed two inches per hour at times, particularly from Sunday through Sunday night.
The approaching storm comes as the region already faces dangerous cold temperatures. An extreme cold alert remains in effect for the Syracuse area through Saturday morning, with overnight temperatures plunging near or below zero degrees. Wind chills are expected to drop between 10 and 30 degrees below zero, creating conditions where frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Before the main storm system arrives, lake effect snow from Lake Ontario will affect the Syracuse area Friday evening through Saturday morning. While accumulations from this initial system should remain relatively light, the combination of snow, gusty winds up to 30 mph, and dangerous cold will create hazardous conditions.
The winter storm will approach from the south Sunday morning, spreading heavy snow across Central New York through Monday. Strong winds on Monday afternoon could create blowing and drifting snow, further reducing visibility.
This system is part of a larger Arctic blast affecting much of the United States. The BBC reports that "life-threatening cold air" is tracking eastward from the High Plains and Rockies, potentially affecting around 160 million people across 30 states.
Weather officials advise residents to limit outdoor exposure during extreme cold and to delay travel if possible. Those who must go outside should dress in layers, as several layers of clothes provide better insulation than a single heavy coat. Covering exposed skin with gloves, a scarf, and a hat can reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
The storm is expected to exit Monday evening, but additional lake effect snow showers are likely afterward. Temperatures will remain well below normal through next week, with highs only in the teens on Monday.