Onondaga County Snowstorm: Travel Advisory & Forecast

Syracuse Braces for Historic Snowfall: Travel Disruptions Expected

A major winter storm is poised too deliver 20 to 30 inches of snow to parts of Onondaga county, New York, beginning late Monday and continuing through Tuesday afternoon. County officials are preparing for significant travel disruptions and potential emergency declarations as the region anticipates a powerful blast of lake-effect snow.

The impending storm prompted County Executive Ryan McMahon to announce plans for a travel advisory, slated to be issued later Monday. He warned that if snowfall rates exceed one to two inches per hour, the county’s snowplows will be unable to maintain clear roadways, even operating at full capacity.

Did you know? – Lake-effect snow forms when cold air passes over warmer lake water, picking up moisture. This moisture then falls as snow on the downwind shores, creating localized, intense snowfall events.

potential for “No Unneeded Travel” Declaration and Travel Ban

Should conditions deteriorate to that point, McMahon indicated he would issue a “no unnecessary travel” declaration, potentially as early as overnight. The most severe outcome, he cautioned, is an “all-out travel ban.” According to McMahon, the heaviest snowfall is expected to begin around 1 a.m. Tuesday and persist until 1 p.m. Tuesday.

the storm will also pack significant wind, with gusts potentially reaching 50 to 60 mph. These high winds will exacerbate the impact of the snowfall,creating blizzard-like conditions and further hindering travel.

Pro tip – Before the storm hits, ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, a winter emergency kit, and that you’ve informed someone of your travel plans, even for short trips.

Emergency Operations Center Activated, Plows Deployed

To coordinate the response, the county will partially activate its emergency operations center. This activation is designed to streamline interaction between county, city, state, and local officials, ensuring a unified and effective approach to managing the storm’s impact.

All county snowplows will be deployed, and the city of Syracuse will also have its full fleet of plows operating. However, McMahon noted a logistical challenge: county plows are too large to navigate the narrow streets of the city. He stated the county would offer assistance with clearing major roadways if requested by city officials.

The situation remains fluid, and residents are urged to monitor local news and weather reports for updates. The potential for considerable snowfall and hazardous travel conditions underscores the importance of preparedness and caution as the storm approaches.

Reader question – What preparations are you making for the storm? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.

Why: Onondaga county, New York, is bracing for a major winter storm bringing 20-30 inches of lake-effect snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph. The storm threatens significant travel disruptions and potential emergency declarations.

Who: County Executive Ryan McMahon is leading the planning efforts, coordinating with city, state, and local officials. Residents of Onondaga county are directly impacted.

What: A powerful lake-effect snowstorm is expected to hit the region, potentially leading to a travel advisory, “no unnecessary travel” declaration, or even an all-out travel ban.

how did it end? As of this report, the storm is approaching and has not ended. Officials are actively preparing and monitoring the situation, with the heaviest snowfall anticipated between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. tuesday. The outcome-whether a full travel ban is issued-depends on snowfall rates. The emergency operations center is activated, and plows