Tug Hill Braces for Winter Storm: Up to 4 Feet of Snow Expected Sunday
The Tug Hill plateau and surrounding areas in Western New York are bracing for a major winter storm beginning Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings, anticipating a substantial lake effect snow event that could last until Wednesday.
Predicted Snowfall Accumulations
Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties are expected to be hit the hardest. Snow accumulations in these regions could reach between 2 to 4 feet. The winter storm warnings will begin at 7 a.m. Sunday and remain in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Forecast for Central and Western New York
- Central New York, including Syracuse, is likely to receive a few inches of snow.
- Winter storm warnings for Western New York counties will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday and end at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
- Niagara, Orleans, Northern Erie, and Genesee counties may see 10 to 20 inches of snow, particularly in southern Niagara and southwestern Orleans.
Significant snowfall is forecast to occur Sunday night into Monday and again from Tuesday into Tuesday night. Other areas, including Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties, will have winter storm warnings starting at 7 a.m. Monday and continuing through 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Storm Conditions and Hazards
These counties can expect similar snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches. Snowfall rates may reach 2 inches per hour, especially on Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.
| County | Snow Accumulation | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis | 2 to 4 feet | Sunday 7 a.m. – Wednesday 4 p.m. |
| Niagara, Orleans, Northern Erie, Genesee | 10 to 20 inches | Sunday 1 p.m. – Wednesday 4 p.m. |
| Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie | 10 to 20 inches | Monday 7 a.m. – Wednesday 4 p.m. |
Winds may gust up to 50 mph, leading to blowing and drifting snow. Whiteout conditions could make travel hazardous, particularly during Monday morning commutes. Temperature drops and chilling winds are also a concern, with wind chill values expected to plummet to between zero and 10 degrees below zero.
The National Weather Service has cautioned residents to prepare for possible power outages due to falling tree branches and to be alert for rapidly changing weather conditions as the storm progresses. Snow bands will vary in intensity, initially forming northeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario before shifting south on Monday night.
