Finger Lakes region residents are preparing for a round of wintry weather as holiday travel ramps up in the days leading up to Christmas. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for several counties, warning of dangerous conditions as snow begins to fall Friday morning and continues through Saturday.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Wayne, Monroe, Livingston, Ontario and Northern Cayuga counties until 10 p.m. Saturday. Snowfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches are expected in these areas. Officials warn that conditions will worsen Friday evening and into Saturday, potentially causing a slowdown in traffic for those getting a head start on holiday travel.

Heading west into Pennsylvania along the I-90 corridor, the lake-driven snow will also affect parts of Pennsylvania, with a warning in effect for northern and southern Erie counties from noon Friday through 10 p.m. Saturday. Accumulations there are expected to be between 3 and 7 inches, with traffic disruptions expected during the Friday evening commute.

Meteorologists note that while these snow amounts are not extreme for the region, the timing – coinciding with one of the busiest travel weekends of the year – could cause widespread travel delays. Drivers are advised to slow down and remain cautious as snow-covered roads and reduced visibility remain challenging through Saturday.

Cold temperatures will have a grip on the region this weekend. Highs are not expected to rise above the teens in many areas through Sunday, with bitter wind chills adding to the chill. Scattered lake-effect snow showers will continue east of Rochester and along Lake Ontario, but further accumulations are expected to be minor.

For those traveling in and out of the Finger Lakes, the cold and snow will begin to ease early next week, but not before treacherous conditions develop. The National Weather Service urges travelers to check for updates and allow extra time for weekend travel.

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