ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A Yellow Alert is in effect for snow and snow-covered roads Wednesday night into Thursday day. This could be the biggest snowfall so far this season, but the amount will be very large from north to south. Snow across the region will typically accumulate 1 to 3 inches in the Finger Lakes by morning, with 2 to 4 inches near Rochester and to the north and west. This snow tends to be heavier and wetter, with initial temperatures hovering around freezing.

Temperatures will plummet Thursday, leading to higher snow fluff rates and more influence from Lake Ontario. The snow across the region will be gone by morning, but lake strengthening and eventually lake effect will take over. This will result in an additional 3 to 6 inches throughout the day, primarily north of the highway. This snow will be fluffy and easier to remove. However, there will be occasional light rain and many roads will remain snow-covered and slippery. The morning commute is likely to have the biggest impact, but another band of lake influence could return during the evening commute. Both commutes are likely to be slower on Thursday, so give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

The lake-effect snow will taper off Thursday night into Friday morning, with only an additional 1-2 centimeters coming in from the areas closest to the lake. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens, with wind chills reaching below freezing Thursday afternoon and evening.