More lake-effect snow is expected through Saturday in New York and Pennsylvania. The areas off Lake Ontario are expected to see the most snow over the next day. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect throughout upstate New York along the shores through Saturday.
Portions of the Great Lakes kicked off the new year on a snowy note as a week-long, lake-effect snow event continues to dump feet of snow across the region with more to come through the weekend.
Orwell, New York has already seen 33″ of snow in less than 24 hours on Friday from this powerful lake-effect snow machine in full force.
Parts of western and upstate New York could see another foot of snow, where totals could reach as high as nearly 4 feet in Oswego County by Saturday when the snow event finally wraps.
Snow piles stand feet high in Oswego during a lake-effect snowstorm.
(FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell / FOX Weather)
In Oswego County, just off Lake Ontario, heavy snow has blanketed the area since Thursday.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER
FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell reported live from Oswego, where more than a foot of snow was reported as of Friday morning.
Timelapse video from Thursday night into Friday showed lake-effect snow bands hitting the area, coating cars and creating low visibility.
Timelapse video from Thursday night into Friday showed lake-effect snow bands hitting the area, coating cars and creating low visibility.
Snow is creating dangerous travel conditions in the communities, as whiteout conditions and snow-covered roads make for a slow and treacherous commute.
The New York State Department of Transportation warned drivers to be careful, showing photos from some of their snow plows on the roads.
The FOX Forecast Center said by the time the snowfall wraps up on Saturday, totals could reach four feet in Oswego County.
Lake-effect snowstorms have rattled the Great Lakes for over a week, breaking records in places like Syracuse.
Syracuse, New York doubled its average snowfall record for the season, and saw more than two feet of snow on Tuesday alone.
WHAT IS LAKE-EFFECT SNOW?
(FOX Weather)
That marks the city’s second-snowiest day on record and their snowiest December day ever.
FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reported from Syracuse during some of the heaviest snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Syracuse was slammed with 2 feet of snow yesterday, as it marked the second-snowiest day on record, causing a hectic day for crews trying to keep the roads safe. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne is back in Syracuse with a recap and update on the conditions as even more snow is expected:
A statewide State of Emergency remains in effect for New York.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER
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Lake Ontario peeks in the background of photos from Oswego, NY.
(FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell) -
Plowed streets in Oswego on Jan. 2, after several inches of lake-effect snow.
(FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell) -
Intense snowfall rates of 5 inches per hour in Redfield, NY on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
(@NYSWRCC/X) -
Plows hard at work in Cattaraugus County, New York, clearing snow from roads on Dec. 30, 2025.
(@NYSDOTBuffalo/X) -
Lake-effect snow creates whiteout conditions in Syracuse, NY on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
(Katie Byrne) -
Car left at shores of Lake Erie in Athol Springs, NY, freezes to parking lot inside and out.
(@weather_buffalo via Storyful) -
Dangerous snow blankets Michigan during post-holiday winter storm
(Brandon Copic)
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As Saturday approaches, the snow will start to taper off.
(FOX Weather)
Some light snow may linger southeast of the lakes into the morning, especially east of Lake Ontario, where a few additional inches are possible. Areas southeast of Lake Erie may see a light coating, the FOX Forecast Center said.
As the day progresses, snow activity will continue to weaken through Saturday as winds become more west-to-east and the atmosphere becomes less favorable for lake-effect snow.
