Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York, joined the ranks of many school districts that decided to close their doors at noon due to the onslaught of lake-effect snow and strong winds hitting the region. The closure was part of a widespread response to the hazardous driving conditions caused by the inclement weather.
Onondaga County officials took preemptive action by issuing a travel advisory on Thursday to caution residents about the dangerous road conditions. The advisory highlighted the rapidly changing snow bands that led to poor visibility and challenging travel conditions. While the advisory did not impose restrictions on travel, it strongly advised drivers to exercise caution, slow down, and take necessary safety measures.
The closure of Onondaga Community College coincided with finals week, prompting the rescheduling of Thursday's afternoon and evening final exams to Monday to allow students and faculty to navigate the weather conditions safely. The National Weather Service issued a lake-effect snow warning for Onondaga County, effective until 7 a.m. Friday, with forecasters projecting intense snow bands to continue shifting through the afternoon and evening, potentially adding several more inches of snow.
In addition to the lake-effect snow warning, a winter storm warning remained in effect for Onondaga, Madison, and Southern Oneida counties, with a forecast of 6 to 12 inches of snow accumulation. The weather outlook indicated that the lake-effect snow would persist through the night, gradually improving conditions by Friday morning. The temperatures were expected to stay in the 20s, maintaining slick road conditions through the evening commute. There was also a possibility of another round of lighter snow on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
The severe winter weather prompted numerous schools across Onondaga County, including the Syracuse City School District and most suburban districts, to close for the day. Reports from the Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches indicated multiple crashes, disabled vehicles, and cars sliding off roads due to icy conditions. County officials emphasized the importance of taking extra precautions, such as clearing snow off vehicles, slowing down, allowing extra travel time, and yielding to plows and emergency vehicles to ensure safety on the roads.
As the community grappled with the impacts of the winter storm, residents were advised to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities. Emergency services were on high alert, ready to respond to any incidents arising from the severe weather conditions. Businesses and residents were encouraged to prepare adequately, stock up on supplies, and limit unnecessary travel to mitigate the effects of the storm.
The weather event in the Syracuse area underscored the seasonal challenges that residents face, prompting a renewed emphasis on safety and preparedness by local authorities. As the region navigated the effects of the winter storm, a collective effort from the community, businesses, and emergency services was crucial to ensuring the well-being of all residents and maintaining essential services during adverse weather conditions. The situation served as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and proactive in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
