The National Weather Service updated winter weather advisories on Wednesday for Central New York as lake effect snow moves into the area.
Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches can be expected in the Syracuse area, with the heaviest snow on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Higher accumulations are forecast for areas farther north. An advisory for Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties warns of snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches across the Tug Hill plateau, with lesser amounts of 2 to 5 inches across lower elevations, according to the weather service.
The advisories remain in effect until Thursday at 8 a.m.
A colder air mass moving into the region on Wednesday will trigger lake effect snow beginning this afternoon. The heaviest bands will affect areas downstream of Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes region.
Forecasters warn that isolated snow squalls cannot be ruled out, which could produce brief periods of reduced visibility and gusty winds.
Northwest winds on Wednesday evening will shift heavier snow bands into Central New York before conditions improve on Thursday as high pressure builds into the region.
Another weather system will move through Friday night into Saturday, bringing an additional round of snow showers and light accumulations. Model guidance has trended stronger for this system, prompting forecasters to continue monitoring its development.
A separate system is expected to track through the southern United States from Sunday into Monday, though current guidance suggests it will likely remain south of the region. Some rain and snow showers remain possible early next week, with high temperatures climbing into the 40s.
