A major winter storm is affecting New York as dangerously cold air and periods of heavy snow create hazardous travel conditions across Central New York and the Lake Ontario region.

The National Weather Service office in Buffalo has issued Winter Storm Warnings for parts of Central New York and noted that lake-effect snow could continue after the main storm moves through, keeping roads slick and visibility poor at times.

Travel restrictions and state response

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the storm is expected to bring widespread impacts and urged residents to limit travel when conditions deteriorate. The state has a State of Emergency in place and has… Continue Reading

Altmar-Parish-Williamstown (APW): CLOSED (weather-related closure notice)

Mexico Academy & Central (MACS): CLOSED (snow day)

Pulaski Academy & Central: CLOSED (snow day)

South Jefferson Central: CLOSED (snow day)

Oswego City School District: 2-hour delay (due to current weather conditions)

SYRACUSE — A fast-moving response by Syracuse firefighters helped keep damage limited during a house fire Wednesday night on First North Street, though two residents were temporarily displaced while utilities were shut off as a precaution, the Syracuse Fire Department said.

Firefighters were dispatched at 8:39 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, to a reported structure fire at 711 First North St. Crews arriving on scene did not see flames from outside the two-story home, but once inside they found smoke on the first floor and confirmed an active fire.

The department reported a “Signal 99” was transmitted — a term used to indicate a confirmed working fire and to request… Continue Reading

SYRACUSE — An early-morning fire damaged a two-story home on Highland Street Wednesday and injured a Syracuse firefighter who slipped on icy conditions at the scene, according to the Syracuse Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched at 4:14 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2026, after an alarm activation at 212 Highland St. Crews arrived to find flames burning at the front of the house. The department issued a “Signal 99,” meaning the fire was confirmed as a working structure fire and additional crews were requested.

Firefighters began extinguishing the fire from the outside and then moved… Continue Reading

SKANEATELES — Firefighters from multiple departments battled a large house fire Tuesday afternoon at 2980 County Line Rd. that caused a roof collapse, a wall collapse, and extended operations for nearly two hours as crews worked through water-supply problems and bitter cold.

The fire was first reported at 12:11 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2026, with early updates indicating the south end of the home was fully engulfed. Because the area relies heavily on tanker water delivery, additional tankers were requested from Cayuga County soon after the call. SAVES Ambulance was dispatched at 12:13 p.m. as a precaution.

Syracuse Firefighters were dispatched at 10:14 a.m. Tuesday (1/20/2026) to a reported house fire at 953 Emerson Ave.

Initial reports indicated a multiple-occupancy home on fire, called in by a passerby, with everyone out of the building. Radio traffic reported possible extension to a second nearby house, but an on-scene update at 10:15 a.m. reported fire on the second floor and not spreading to other structures.

SFD Crews were cleared from the scene.

MOYERS CORNERS — Fire crews from across the area battled an early-morning barn fire Sunday, Jan. 18, near Oswego Road and Linda Lane, after multiple callers reported a structure burning.

Moyers Corners Fire Department said responders arrived to find the barn fully involved and quickly requested additional resources, issuing a “Signal 99” to indicate a working fire. Crews began suppression efforts and worked for several hours to bring the fire under control.

Cold weather added challenges at the scene. Firefighters attempted to use a nearby hydrant but found it frozen, requiring them to secure an alternate water source to continue operations.

Phoenix Enterprise Fire… Continue Reading

Central New York is entering a prolonged stretch of very cold weather, with temperatures remaining well below seasonal averages through the coming week. Overnight lows will frequently dip into the single digits and teens, with daytime highs struggling to climb out of the teens and 20s in many areas. Wind chills will make it feel even colder at times, especially during the overnight and early morning hours.

A persistent northwest flow off Lake Ontario will be the dominant weather feature, setting the stage for recurring lake-effect snow. While much of the region will see occasional flurries or light snow, the most impactful snowfall is expected in the long-standing lake-effect… Continue Reading

SYRACUSE — A small business jet diverted to Syracuse Hancock International Airport after the crew reported an in-flight control issue Friday, prompting a response from the Air National Guard and airport rescue crews, officials said.

The aircraft, an Embraer Phenom 300, had departed Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina and was en route to Greater Binghamton Airport when the pilot reported a flaps problem. The flaps were believed to be stuck, according to incident details provided.

As the jet approached Syracuse, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)… Continue Reading