Lake Effect Snow to Bury Syracuse Roads Overnight

Up to 10 inches expected before Thursday morning commute

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect for Onondaga and Madison counties in Central New York until 1 p.m. Thursday, with localized bands capable of producing 6 to 10 inches of rapid snowfall overnight. Travel is expected to become hazardous before dawn, with snow-packed lanes and visibility dropping sharply in heavier bursts.

Why it matters

Lake effect snow can create dangerous driving conditions, with the potential to quickly cover major highways and make travel treacherous. This storm poses a threat to the Thursday morning commute in the Syracuse area, requiring road crews to work overnight to try to keep up with the heavy snowfall.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest snow is expected to fall in localized bands, with Syracuse potentially seeing rapid snowfall rates that could quickly cover Interstate 81, Interstate 690 and Route 481. Crews from the New York State Department of Transportation will be treating major highways, but the snowfall rates could outpace plowing efforts overnight.

  • The Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The heaviest snow is expected overnight, before the Thursday morning commute.

The players

National Weather Service in Binghamton

The local office of the National Weather Service that issued the Lake Effect Snow Warning for Onondaga and Madison counties.

New York State Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and treating major highways in the affected area.

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What’s next

Crews from the New York State Department of Transportation will continue to treat major highways throughout the overnight hours and into the Thursday morning commute, but drivers should still exercise caution and be prepared for hazardous travel conditions.

The takeaway

This lake effect snow event highlights the importance of being prepared for rapidly changing winter weather conditions, especially in areas prone to heavy snowfall. Residents and commuters in the Syracuse area should monitor weather forecasts, allow extra time for travel, and heed all safety warnings from local authorities.