National Weather ServiceNew YorkLake Effect Snow WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Lake Effect Snow Warnings in New York
The National Weather Service issued 29 lake effect snow warnings for New York in 2025 and 19 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 37% below the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Oswego was covered most often (143 times since 2008).
How many lake effect snow warnings does New York get?
Every lake effect snow warning that covered part of New York. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2008 | 33 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does New York get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in New York?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oswego | 143 | 21 | March 17, 2026 |
| Lewis | 119 | 17 | March 17, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 115 | 18 | March 17, 2026 |
| Chautauqua | 93 | 10 | December 13, 2025 |
| Cattaraugus | 90 | 9 | December 13, 2025 |
| Southern Erie | 87 | 12 | January 22, 2026 |
| Northern Oneida | 74 | 12 | March 17, 2026 |
| Wyoming | 69 | 10 | January 22, 2026 |
| Northern Cayuga | 64 | 10 | March 17, 2026 |
| Northern Herkimer | 53 | 8 | January 22, 2026 |
| Wayne | 47 | 5 | January 27, 2026 |
| Onondaga | 44 | 10 | March 17, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a lake effect snow warning?
A lake effect snow warning means heavy snow in narrow bands downwind of the Great Lakes is expected, with rates and totals set by each office. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in New York.