A ‘significant’ winter storm is expected to hit upstate New York over Thanksgiving, brining up to eight inches of snow to some areas as forecasters issue a travel warning
Forecasters have issued a travel warning (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Severe thunderstorms, flooding rain, fog, and even a blizzard are expected to create chaotic travel conditions for millions of people across the US over the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
In New York, forecasters predict a significant winter storm will bring a dumping of lake effect snow. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for several upstate New York counties from Thursday afternoon through to Saturday morning.
A blast of cold air from the west is expected to blow across the Great Lakes Wednesday night through Friday, producing lake effect snow and leading to poor visibility on the roads.
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The National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Madison, Northern Oneida, Onondaga, and Southern Oneida Counties. This includes the cities of Oneida, Utica, Rome, Syracuse, Hamilton, and Boonville.
The agency had already issued winter storm watches for counties at the east ends of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario but expanded the warning to include Onondaga, Oneida and Madison counties.
Madison, Northern Oneida, Onondaga, and Southern Oneida Counties are under a winter storm watch(Image: National Weather Service)
“Lake effect snow potential continues to increase for Thursday through Friday night or early Saturday southeast of Lake Ontario,” the weather service office in Binghamton said. “Forecast confidence is moderate at this time range in regards to band placement, timing, and exact snowfall amounts.”
More than a dozen counties from Western New York to the Mohawk Valley are also under a lesser hazardous weather outlook alert.
How much snow will fall in New York on Thanksgiving?
The National Weather Service warns that “heavy” lake effect snow is possible. Total snow accumulations are expected to reach between three to eight inches.
“Whiteout conditions are possible,” according to the winter storm watch. It currently seems that the Finger Lakes and Central New York won’t be as heavily impacted by the snow.
However, bands of lake effect snow are usually narrow and it is difficult to predict exactly where they might hit.
Travel warning amid snowy conditions
Up to eight inches of snow is expected (stock image)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The National Weather Service warns that snowy conditions “may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”
“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period,” the agency adds.
Winds are expected to gust as high as 40 mph while areas of blowing snow could “significantly reduce visibility.”
“During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions,” the National Weather Service adds.
New York Thanksgiving parade under threat
New York City is set to be free from rain and snow on Thanksgiving day. However, gusty winds could create some problems from both parade goers and balloon handlers during the traditional morning parade.
Those waiting to watch the parade are urged to wrap up warm, with temperatures feeling mainly in the 30s, dipping into the 20s.
The parade balloons may need to be lowered to street level for safety amid strong winds set to persist from the morning through the afternoon and evening.