Snow shoeing at Lime Hollow (Carrie Finn/Facebook)
CORTLAND, N.Y. — While there is a chance for brief light snow or sleet this afternoon, a wintry mix with freezing rain becomes more likely this evening, as a winter weather advisory will take effect for Cortland County from 7 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Mixed precipitation is expected between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., with ice accumulations of a light glaze and total snow accumulations of less than one inch expected. Wind speeds will reach as high as 45 mph, especially in higher elevations. Plan on slippery road conditions and limited visibility. Gusty winds and ice accretion could bring down tree branches, possibly leading to a few power outages.
Between 4-7 a.m. Tuesday, the main precipitation will lift out of the region and temperatures will continue to rise above freezing for most of the area, ending the ice threat. However, higher terrain east of Interstate 81 will take the longest to get above freezing, and untreated surfaces could still be slick for the morning commute. Highs on Tuesday will eventually reach into the lower 40s.
After mainly rain showers Tuesday, a cold pattern will take hold for the remainder of the week with snow showers. Polar air flowing out of Canada will cause temperatures to drop below seasonal norms by Thursday.
Forecasters are predicting quiet weather this weekend, with high temperatures in the teens on Friday slowly rising into the mid 20s by Sunday.
