Winter storm warning for Central NY: Storm starts earlier, snow possibly 2 inches an hour

© N. Scott Trimble | strimble/syracuse.com/TNS Bob Gray, of Williamstown, clears his driveway Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, after close to two feet of snow fell. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y. — A winter storm warning has been issued for Central New York and now has the storm starting at around 6 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins and Southern Cayuga counties.

The storm is now set to begin around 6 p.m. Monday and could have snowfall of 1-2 inches an hour, the NWS said. Snow accumulation is expected to fall between 10 to 16 inches. Winds could reach 40 mph.

The highest snowfall will be in elevations above 1,000 feet south of the New York State Thruway, officials said.

In Syracuse, there will be light snow before 10 a.m. Monday but accumulation will be less than half an inch. A mix of snow and rain could be possible all day with temperatures hovering around 39 degrees. After 1 a.m. we’re stuck with snow.

Overnight about three inches of snow will accumulate in Syracuse. All day Tuesday there is a possibility of heavy snow, officials said. No sleet or freezing rain is predicted. The warning expires at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The rest of Central New York does not escape the winter storm. Oneida, Madison and Chenango counties are under a warning but with lighter snow: between nine and 18 inches.

Oswego and Northern Cayuga counties will see less snow with six to 12 inches predicted. The warning for Oswego and Northern Cayuga starts later at 11 p.m.

Travel could be dangerous to impossible in all of Central New York. The weather service warns to have extra food, flashlights and water if you have to travel.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.

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