National Weather ServiceNew YorkLake Effect Snow WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Lake Effect Snow Watches in New York
The National Weather Service issued 0 lake effect snow watches for New York in 2025 and 9 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Oswego was covered most often (64 times since 2008).
How many lake effect snow watches does New York get?
Every lake effect snow watch that covered part of New York. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 15 |
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 | 64 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Lewis | 58 | 0 | February 2, 2017 |
| Jefferson | 48 | 0 | February 2, 2017 |
| Chautauqua | 43 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Cattaraugus | 41 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Northern Oneida | 36 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Southern Erie | 36 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Northern Cayuga | 27 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Wayne | 26 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Wyoming | 26 | 0 | January 26, 2017 |
| Onondaga | 20 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
| Madison | 19 | 0 | February 15, 2017 |
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 watch?
A lake effect snow watch meant heavy lake effect snow was possible. Since October 2017 the NWS covers it with the winter storm watch. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in New York.