Winter storm warnings threaten CNY

A winter storm warning is in effect for most of CNY starting at 1 p.m. this afternoon and is in effect until 4 a.m. Friday.

The first heavy snowfall will begin this afternoon and continue into the evening. Tonight will remain stable with an additional chance for snow squalls. The heaviest will fall towards Tug Hill.

As a cold front moves through tomorrow morning, temperatures will drop to as low as 20°C and winds will increase, resulting in cooler winds into the teens. This will also result in additional snow showers and lake effect squalls throughout the day. The best chance of seeing a snow squall will be Thursday morning, possibly during the morning commute.

Wind gusts could reach speeds between 25 and 35 mph today and this evening, before winds increase even further tomorrow and gusts between 40 and 50 mph could occur.

Between this afternoon and Friday morning, snow could accumulate between 3 and 6 inches in the Syracuse area, 12 to 18 inches in Tug Hill and 2 to 4 inches in Finger Lakes.

Be particularly careful on the roads during this event, especially due to the risk of snow squalls. Gale squalls spread quickly and create whiteout conditions for a short period of time, creating dangerous driving conditions.

Click HERE to view your current weather forecast and live local radar.