Syracuse, NY – A winter storm warning has been issued for central New York and the storm is now starting around 6 p.m. Monday.
The National Weather Service has upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for Onondaga, Cortland, Tompkins and Southern Cayuga counties.
The storm is now expected to start around 6 p.m. Monday and could have snowfall of 1 to 2 inches per hour, the NWS said. Snow accumulation should fall between 10 and 16 inches. Winds could reach 40 mph.
The heaviest snowfall will occur at elevations above 1,000 feet south of the New York State Highway, officials said.
In Syracuse, there will be light snow before 10 a.m. Monday, but the 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 am we are stuck with snow.
Overnight approximately three inches of snow will accumulate in Syracuse. All day Tuesday there is a possibility of heavy snowfall, officials said. Freezing or freezing rain is not forecast. The warning expires Wednesday at 8 a.m.
The rest of central New York is not immune to the winter storm. Oneida, Madison and Chenango counties are under warning but with lighter snow: between nine and 18 inches.
Oswego and northern Cayuga counties will see less snow with six to 12 inches forecast. The warning for Oswego and Northern Cayuga begins later at 11 p.m.
Travel can be dangerous or even impossible throughout central New York. The weather service warns to have extra food, flashlights and water if you must travel.
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.