Weather

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 activated state resources to support local response efforts.

As part of storm operations, New York implemented restrictions aimed at reducing crashes and keeping highways moving during the worst conditions. The Governor’s office announced that all commercial vehicles must travel in the right lane on state roads (including the Thruway) starting at 12 a.m. Sunday, and long combination tandem vehicles are banned from the Thruway beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday.

What the warnings mean

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when significant snow and/or blowing snow is expected to make travel dangerous. Even when snowfall totals vary by community, the combination of snow, wind, and very cold temperatures can quickly lead to whiteout-like conditions in open areas and rapidly deteriorating road surfaces. 

Safety reminders

Officials recommend:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm and lake-effect bands.
• If you must drive, keep extra warm layers, a charged phone, and a winter emergency kit.
• Check the latest local alerts and forecasts frequently, as snow bands can shift quickly and change conditions from one town to the next. 

Multiple school districts across Oswego County and the North Country closed or adjusted schedules Friday morning, Jan. 23, as winter weather and dangerous travel conditions developed across the region.

As of about 7:15 a.m., closures and delays included:

• 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)

What conditions look like

In the Syracuse area, conditions early Friday were mostly cloudy with cold temperatures and gusty winds.

At Syracuse Hancock International Airport (KSYR) around 6:54 a.m., conditions were 18°F with a west wind around 13 mph, producing a wind chill near 5°F. Snow showers were expected later in the day, mainly after 4 p.m., with light accumulation possible, but gusty winds could still make travel uncomfortable.

Farther north near Fulton and Pulaski, conditions were similar in temperature but with stronger wind and significantly more snowfall expected.

At Oswego County Airport in Fulton (KFZY) around 6:54 a.m., conditions were 18°F with southwest winds around 15 mph and gusts near 23 mph, with a wind chill near 4°F. The forecast for the Pulaski area called for periods of snow throughout the day with blowing snow and the potential for heavy snow at times, with 5 to 9 inches possible and wind gusts approaching 40 mph.

Why districts are closing

School closures and delays are typically driven by a mix of factors: road conditions during peak bus travel times, blowing snow that reduces visibility, and the ability of crews to keep routes safe. In rural areas, heavy snowfall combined with strong winds can quickly make roads impassable or unpredictable.

Expect updates

Closings and delays can change throughout the morning as conditions evolve. Families are encouraged to watch for official district alerts through ParentSquare, district websites, and local announcements.