The winter storm warning is already in effect for much of New York State – in late April

Syracuse, New York – The day after Easter, winter storm warnings were issued for much of New York for tonight until Tuesday morning.

As much as one foot of snow can fall to higher altitudes, including Adirondax and Catskills. At lower altitudes, there will most likely be snow east of I-81, in the Mohawk Valley and the metropolitan area. 5 to 11 inches of snow can be seen in these areas, with the highest being on the tops of the hills.

Syracuse is already included in a minor winter weather warning issued this morning by the National Weather Service. Most of Onondaga County is likely to see a few inches, except for the hills south of the city, where heavy snow may fall at night.

School delays are possible in heavily affected areas, as the most intense snow is expected just around sunrise.

The coastal storm is likely to reach New York State tonight, with rain starting near sunset and turning to snow early Tuesday morning. Temperatures will be around zero, so even if they are a few degrees above the forecast, we can see more rain and less snow.

The strip with the heaviest snow is expected east of Syracuse and will depend largely on altitude. For example, in the central town of Oneida County, Westmoreland, 655 feet above sea level, about 6 inches of snow is expected to fall. About 25 miles south, the town of Brookfield in Madison County, 1,000 feet above Westmoreland, could see a foot.

For Syracuse and nearby communities, any snow is likely to fall on Tuesday morning as temperatures warm. Higher heights to the east may have snow all day on Tuesday. Strong winds on Tuesday afternoon could dramatically reduce visibility.

The meteorological service also warned of potential power outages. Spring snow usually retains more moisture and can overload utility lines.

The snow will melt quickly, thanks to the high angle of the sun at this time of year and warming temperatures. High temperatures will persist over the 40s and 50s for the next few days and even until the 60s until Friday.

An inland coastal storm could bring a foot of snow to higher altitudes in eastern New York tonight and Tuesday.