Lake-Effect Snow — Northern Oneida, New York

2025-12-29 to 2025-12-31 · Northern Oneida, New York

Event narrative

Snow accumulated between 14 and 20 inches.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system passed north of the region on Monday, the 29th, with a trailing cold front transitioning winds to the northwest and advecting cold air over the lakes. This setup established a multi-lake connection that persisted through Wednesday, the 31st with snow becoming heavy at times. Snowfall rates reached 2 to 3 inches per hour within the most intense bands, resulting in accumulations of 9 to 20 inches across Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties. Strong winds with gusts in excess of 40 mph at times accompanied the system through Tuesday afternoon, the 30th. This caused significant blowing and drifting snow with localized whiteout conditions before the activity diminished on the 31st.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1305636. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.