Landmarks in Syracuse, located in central New York state, are blanketed in white on Jan. 1, 2025 after a storm dumps heavy lake-effect snow.

Such snowfall is typical for parts of New York state in the winter, when the unfrozen waters of the Great Lakes mix with icy air in the upper atmosphere, forming clouds that rapidly produce snow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS forecast lake-effect snow showers through Jan. 3, in areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. The NWS added travel around the Onondaga County area, which Syracuse is located in, could be hazardous and difficult on Jan. 2, advising drivers to keep extra food and water in vehicles in case of an emergency.

REUTERS / STRINGR.COM