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Oswego County is under a Lake Effect Snow warning from the National Weather Service. The warning, which began at 7 a.m. today and is set to last until 7 a.m. Monday, predicts heavy snowfall that could reach up to five feet in some areas. The warning was issued due to the potential for hazardous travel conditions and possible power outages.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be "very difficult to impossible" due to deep snow cover on roads and extremely poor visibility. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact both the morning and evening commutes. The agency advises residents to be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities, and to consider delaying travel if possible.
The warning comes as a result of a lake effect snowstorm downwind of Lake Ontario. Lake effect snow is a weather phenomenon that occurs when cold air moves over warmer lake water, leading to heavy snowfall on the downwind shores.
According to Syracuse.com, the weather service has advised residents to drive with extreme caution, leave plenty of room between vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration, especially on hills or when making turns.
Residents can find updated forecasts and alerts at noaa.gov.