Snow has let up some early this evening, with only pockets of heavier snow instead of widespread heavy snow. However, this will not last as the second part of this storm approaches.
A bundle of atmospheric energy is rotating around the parent low into southern New England. To the northwest of this energy, precipitation is widespread and sometimes intense once again.
And it is coming towards the Finger Lakes.
Already (5:20pm) the radar is filling in new Syracuse as this second batch of steady snow makes its way into our area. Snow will continue to move west and southwest over the area, lasting through much of the night. For many areas, the snow will continue right into the early morning commute on Thursday.
There is some good news though. Dry air will also be wrapping around the storm and will cut off precipitation behind this batch. For the eastern reaches of the Finger Lakes- roughly the I-81 corridor and points east, this dry air could arrive as soon as a couple hours after midnight.
Gradually, the dry air will win out, and end the snow Thursday morning with just a few flurries left.
The other piece of good news is that some weakening of this batch of precipitation may occur. Additional snowfall tonight will probably be in the 3-6″ range for most areas. Some higher elevations- such as those who have been pounded all day south of Syracuse, may get a little more. Areas south of Lake Ontario- Rochester, Wayne County, etc.- will also see more as Lake Ontario adds some extra moisture.
By the time all is said and done, a number of places will get over two feet of snow, with a large area around or over a foot. Meanwhile, lower elevations and the Southern Tier will wind up with only a couple of inches.
This has been an incredible storm to forecast and track!
Sharon
is this map showing current accumulations, storm totals or how much is expected Weds night. It is a little confusing.
Wondering what Greek Peak will end up with tomorrow and if it would be worth taking another morning off from work. Today was worthwhile with 5-6″, my guess is there will be over a foot by tomorrow and if another 4-6″ fall tonight, it will be worth another morning off from work.
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil
Yeah…I wasn’t overly happy with how it turned out. Those amounts were typical accumulations those areas had seen at that point. I was attempting to illustrate the drastic drop off between the Southern Tier and south of Syracuse.
Bill Nivison
I really enjoy your site. It is really informative and I thank you for having it. My only complaint (or suggestion) is your map. It’s very difficult for me (and others I assume) for me to pinpoint exactly what areas you are talking about when you put the big blocks of words over the map. Would it be possible to put the words to the outside of the border and use arrows to pinpoint the area. Just a suggestion.
Thank you,
Bill Nivison
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see what I can do!