Central New York’s Winter Weather Breakdown – Snowfall, Impacts, and What’s Ahead
Central New York, including Utica and the surrounding areas, has been hit hard by relentless winter weather over the past week. From heavy lake-effect snow to dangerously low wind chills, the region has faced significant challenges. This blog post provides a detailed breakdown of the last nine days of weather conditions, the effects of the snow and cold on daily life, and an extended forecast for the next seven days. Whether you’re a resident or just curious about the region’s weather, this post will keep you informed and prepared.
Weather Recap: The Last 9 Days of Snow and Cold
Over the past nine days, Central New York has experienced a series of snowstorms and frigid temperatures. Here’s a breakdown of the snowfall totals and conditions for each day:
Day 1 (Feb. 8, 2025): 4 inches of snow fell as a weak system moved through the region. Roads were slippery, but no major disruptions were reported.
Day 2 (Feb. 9, 2025): Lake-effect snow brought an additional 6 inches, particularly in areas downwind of Lake Ontario. Travel advisories were issued.
Day 3 (Feb. 10, 2025): A brief break in snowfall, but temperatures dropped to single digits, with wind chills below zero.
Day 4 (Feb. 11, 2025): Another 5 inches of snow fell, causing minor school delays and hazardous driving conditions.
Day 5 (Feb. 12, 2025): Heavy lake-effect snow dumped 8 inches in localized areas, leading to school closures and travel bans in parts of Oneida and Oswego counties.
Day 6 (Feb. 13, 2025): Snow tapered off, but temperatures plummeted, with wind chills as low as -15°F. Many businesses closed early due to the extreme cold.
Day 7 (Feb. 14, 2025): Valentine’s Day brought another 7 inches of snow, causing widespread school closures and delays.
Day 8 (Feb. 15, 2025): A powerful storm system moved through, dropping 10 inches of snow and creating whiteout conditions. Roof collapses were reported in some areas due to the weight of accumulated snow.
Day 9 (Feb. 16, 2025): Lake-effect snow added another 6 inches, with wind gusts creating dangerous drifts and reducing visibility.
In total, the region has received 56 inches of snow over the past nine days, with temperatures consistently below freezing. This combination of heavy snow and extreme cold has had a significant impact on daily life.
Effects of the Weather: School Closures, Business Disruptions, and More
The relentless winter weather has caused widespread disruptions across Central New York. Here are some of the most notable effects:
School Closures and Delays
Many school districts, including those in Utica, Rome, and Syracuse, have experienced multiple closures and delays over the past week. Remote learning has been implemented in some areas to minimize disruptions to education.
Bus routes have been delayed or canceled due to poor road conditions and visibility.
Business Closures
Local businesses, especially small retailers and restaurants, have faced closures due to hazardous travel conditions and low customer turnout.
Delivery services and supply chains have been disrupted, leading to delays in goods and services.
Roof Collapses and Structural Damage
The weight of accumulated snow has caused several roof collapses in the region. Notably, a warehouse in Rome and a barn in Madison County suffered significant damage.
Homeowners are being urged to clear snow from roofs to prevent further collapses.
Travel Disruptions
A major crash on I-90 westbound near Little Falls involved a tractor-trailer and 13 cars, closing both lanes for hours. Detours remain in place.
Whiteout conditions and drifting snow have made travel nearly impossible in some areas, with multiple counties issuing travel advisories and parking bans.
Power Outages
Over 19,000 NYSEG customers were without power earlier this week due to high winds and heavy snow. Crews have been working around the clock to restore service.
Extended Weather Forecast: The Next 7 Days
Here’s what to expect in the coming week:
Monday, Feb. 17, 2025: Dangerous wind chills as low as -25°F, with localized lake-effect snow adding 2-4 inches. Travel remains hazardous.
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025: Lake snow continues, with another 3-5 inches expected. Wind chill values will stay below zero throughout the day.
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025: A cold but mostly snow-free day, with highs around 20°F and lows near 2°F.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025: Cloudy skies with a slight chance of flurries. Highs in the mid-20s.
Friday, Feb. 21, 2025: Partly sunny with highs near 28°F. A welcome break from the snow.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025: Mostly sunny with highs around 30°F. Conditions will feel much more manageable.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025: Sunny skies and highs in the low 30s. A gradual warming trend begins.
Tips for Coping with the Weather
To stay safe and comfortable during this challenging winter, consider the following tips:
Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities to avoid exposure to dangerous wind chills.
Dress in Layers: If you must go outside, wear multiple layers, including a hat, gloves, and a scarf to cover exposed skin.
Clear Snow Safely: Shovel snow in small amounts to avoid overexertion. Use a roof rake to remove heavy snow from rooftops.
Prepare for Power Outages: Keep flashlights, batteries, and blankets on hand. Avoid using gas stoves or grills indoors for heating.
Monitor Alerts: Stay updated on weather advisories and follow guidance from local officials.
Check on Neighbors: Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance.
By understanding the challenges posed by this winter weather and preparing for what’s ahead, residents of Central New York can stay safe and resilient. Stay warm, stay informed, and take care of one another!
