Following another round of heavy snowfall across the Great Lakes region, certain areas in New York are expected to accumulate more than 12 inches of snow New Year’s Day.

Areas in western New York and upstate, particularly those located downwind from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, are forecast to receive substantial additional snowfall, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Strong northwesterly winds persisted in bringing frigid air into the region from the east, setting up ideal conditions for an intense lake-effect snow event.

Along the eastern side of Lake Michigan, as well as certain areas in upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, are projected to receive accumulations of 3-5 inches. (RELATED: Multiple Semi-Trucks, Over 50 Cars Get In Pile-Up Crash On I-75 In Michigan Amid Life-Threatening Winter Storm)

Regions positioned downwind from Lakes Erie and Ontario — such as locations immediately south of Buffalo, New York, extending south to Erie, Pennsylvania, along with Syracuse and the Tug Hill Plateau — are anticipated to experience significantly greater snowfall, potentially reaching isolated accumulations of 12-18 inches.

The weather event may lead to reduced visibility and powerful wind gusts reaching as high as 70 mph along the lakeshores.

Some areas may also experience coastal flooding due to the intense winds driving lake levels higher than usual.

FOX Weather Correspondent @thekatiebyrne reports from the frigid temperatures in Syracuse, New York, as areas in the upstate region could see up to three feet of snow.#newyork #upstateny #snow #wind #winter #FoxWeather pic.twitter.com/bJvOSBUFph

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) December 29, 2025

Winter Storm Warnings and Lake Effect Snow Warnings are currently in effect for the areas around Syracuse, Buffalo and Erie, Pennsylvania, remaining active until Friday morning.

As reported by the FOX Forecast Center, a trough in the jet stream has positioned itself slightly south of the northern border, allowing the persistent northwesterly airflow to direct cold air across the relatively warmer surfaces of the Great Lakes.

A series of milder disturbances within the jet stream are expected to move from west to east, delivering extra moisture and possibly intensifying snowfall throughout the Great Lakes region and upstate New York into the end of the week.

By the morning of Tuesday, with winds still channeling across the Great Lakes, snowfall is expected to persist, affecting regions from Syracuse to Buffalo in New York, along with Erie, Pennsylvania. (RELATED: Rare Snow Rollers Make Appearance In Michigan)

From New Year’s Eve through the early hours of New Year’s Day, a relatively mild clipper system is projected to travel southward from Canada across the Great Lakes, potentially amplifying snowfall rates in western New York and areas along the eastern shores of Lake Erie.

The snowfall could spread farther into the Northeast, delivering lighter, picturesque flurries to New York City and Boston.

This system may create significant travel disruptions following the holidays, as millions of people are anticipated to be on the roads and in the air during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.