A winter weather advisory is in effect for Onondaga County, while a storm with heavier snowfall is predicted for the Utica area.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snow, ice and winds for the Central New York region, including about 4 inches in the city of Syracuse. Elsewhere in the county could see up around 7 inches of snow. To the east in Oneida, Madison and Chenango counties, up to 9 inches could fall in some areas.
The weather agency said the winter conditions are part of a system moving across the Great Lakes, through the local region and into New England.
Forecasters warn high winds of up to 35 miles per hour could limit visibility amid the snow, and ice accumulation possible in Onondaga County would likely create slippery driving conditions. The weather agency's alerts are set to expire Tuesday evening.
Here is the latest on the snowfall for tonight and Tuesday. Highest totals continue to be forecasted east of I-81. Snow will move into the area late this afternoon and this evening before ending Tuesday morning perhaps as drizzle or freezing drizzle. #nywx #pawx pic.twitter.com/6QwVfDdyVg
— NWS Binghamton (@NWSBinghamton) February 27, 2023
National Grid said it staffed up in preparation of the snowy, windy weather. The utility said in a news release that it put more employees on the clock and extended the hours for its evening and overnight shifts.
The company also encouraged residents to take safety precautions if there's a power outage. It warned those who use a generator to keep it outside so deadly carbon monoxide doesn’t build up. They’re also warning people to stay away from any downed power lines in case they’re still carrying electricity.
The Syracuse Police Department is also urging drivers to slow down and give more distance between cars on the roads if they have to travel during the winter weather.