Syracuse, N.Y. — Onondaga Community College has announced it will close at noon, joining scores of school districts that closed for the day as lake-effect snow and strong winds hit the area.
Onondaga County officials also issued a travel advisory Thursday due to hazardous driving conditions.
Most schools across Onondaga County closed Thursday, including the Syracuse City School District and nearly every suburban district, as snow piled up during the morning commute.
The county’s travel advisory warned drivers that rapidly changing snow bands are causing poor visibility and difficult travel. The advisory does not restrict travel but urges drivers to slow down and use caution.
Road conditions have been icy throughout the morning. There have been numerous reports of crashes, disabled vehicles and cars sliding off roads, according to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches.
County officials urged drivers to take extra precautions: slow down, leave extra time, clear snow off vehicles and move over for plows and emergency vehicles.
The OCC closing happened during finals week. Thursday’s afternoon and evening final exams will be rescheduled for Monday.
The National Weather Service has a lake-effect snow warning in effect for Onondaga County until 7 a.m. Friday. Forecasters expect bands of intense snow to continue shifting through the afternoon and evening, dropping several more inches of snow.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for Onondaga, Madison, and Southern Oneida counties with around 6 to 12 inches of snow expected, according to weather service.
Lake-effect snow will continue through tonight, with conditions improving gradually on Friday morning. Temperatures will remain in the 20s, keeping roads slick through the evening commute. Another round of lighter snow is possible Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Zack Kanuck, 9, sleds on a day off from school at Long Branch Park Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Geddes, NY.
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
