Winter storm dumps snow in central New York state

Syracuse and surrounding areas in central New York were hit by heavy lake-effect snow on January 1, with the National Weather Service warning of hazardous travel through January 3.

STRINGR.COM/Reuters

2 January 2026 at 07:05:08

Syracuse landmarks covered in heavy lake-effect snow as winter storm hits central New York

Reuters

Landmarks in Syracuse, in central New York, were covered in a thick blanket of snow on Thursday (January 1) after a heavy lake-effect snowstorm.

Lake-effect snow is common in parts of New York during the winter, occurring when the unfrozen waters of the Great Lakes interact with cold air in the upper atmosphere, creating clouds that rapidly produce snow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS forecast more lake-effect snow showers through Saturday (January 3) for areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario.

Officials also warned that travel in Onondaga County, where Syracuse is located, could be hazardous on Friday (January 2). Drivers were advised to carry extra food and water in their vehicles in case of emergencies.

-Production: Kokkai Ng/Reuters