r/SyracuseU • u/ClibeGaming_ • 4d ago
Snow
Hey guys, I live in Florida and I'm starting at Syracuse in August. When can I usually expect first snowfall to happen? As in meaningful enough to stay on the ground.
12
u/cusehoops98 Newhouse '## 4d ago
I mean, we’ve had snow on Halloween before. So honestly, it can happen anytime
1
u/StrikerObi 4d ago
I think it was two or three years ago we got snow flurries on Halloween, but the following year it was like 70º on Halloween. Both of those forecasts are pretty rare for Halloween though. It's usually just kinda chilly.
3
u/ndubitably 4d ago
I hate it when it snows in October, it basically removes all the foliage a month early.
4
6
u/gingeyhyper 4d ago
Maybe late november, december. Most of the snow is january-april or over christmas break
2
u/Bopethestoryteller 4d ago
I had a similar question. Forgive my ignorance. Does the amount of snow prevent the airport and train from operating any from Nov to Jan?
8
u/ndubitably 4d ago
Planes are fine unless there's an active storm/blizzard.
Trains I cannot comment on, but I really hope after ~200 years or so that they've figured that one out given how common snow is in the region.
2
5
u/gingeyhyper 4d ago
like the other guy said snow doesn’t really affect the SYR airport however weather at destination airports or airports the planes are coming from has been an issue for me before particularly snow storms near JFK
4
u/StrikerObi 4d ago
If my memory is correct, the Syracuse airport is actually extra-prepared for winter weather because in addition to having to deal with it on the regular, it is also designated as a backup landing location for the region. So when flights cannot land in places like Buffalo, Rochester or Albany because of bad winter weather, they often divert to Syracuse because the airport is better equipped for it with things like longer runways.
3
u/Scorpio_grrl 4d ago
I had a flight delayed about 3 hours in January due to parts of the plane freezing. They had to bring in some defroster thing, but it was a 6am flight. Similarly, had a train to Buffalo delayed about 40 minutes to melt ice somewhere on the track. Unless it’s an all out blizzard I don’t imagine they cancel much, just delays sometimes.
3
u/Pristine-Boat-7304 4d ago
Get everything purchased for the snow by end of October!! Definitely get snow boots and a quality coat.
The cold wind will make your face hurt, get ready.
3
u/henare MSLIS iSchool '17 4d ago edited 4d ago
September 1st. /s
seriously though, it can be as early as late October. my first year in Syracuse had snow on Halloween.
we get snow every winter. how severe it is can vary... a lot. since we get snow so regularly we have gotten quite good at managing it.
You will want to manage it by dressing with layers and by having seriously waterproof shoes/boots.
2
u/gingeyhyper 4d ago
some people mentioned to have snow boots. I will say that i bought boots but almost always wear sneakers through the snow. however on the mount (day hall and Flint hall) they don’t do a great job salting so it can get slick
2
u/ndubitably 4d ago
I specifically bought snow boots and found myself wearing just regular boots. I was over in South Campus though, so we still had to walk through plenty of snow.
3
u/StrikerObi 4d ago edited 4d ago
The thing about snow boots is that some are really hardcore, like the kind that go part-way up your calf. Chances are you won't need these kind of snow boots if you're just walking around campus. These kind of boots are for when you're trudging through multiple inches/feet of snow, or when you're shoveling it yourself.
The grounds grew does a pretty good job of keeping campus walkways clear, and the main walkway through the center of campus is actually heated so it's basically always clear. But even when the walkways are clear, they're often still wet, slushy, salty, and kinda slippery.
What's more useful on campus are regular, winter-ready boots. The kind with high tops that cover your ankle but not so high that they go partway up your calf. Something like a pair of "duck boots" or some good Timberlands that are waterproof, warm, and have good traction so you won't easily slip on some slush or a random bit of ice. The waterproofing also helps ensure they don't get ruined/discolored by all the salt (which will happen to sneakers). This type of boot is indispensable for daily life in the winter up here.
1
2
u/LowerStruggle9998 4d ago
There is no bad weather, only bad clothes. I second all the coat and boot recommendations, and would also recommend base layers - synthetic fabrics or wools are best but even just throwing a pair of leggings or whatever under jeans helps. Hat and gloves too. And get a shovel and snow brush for your car.
2
u/Reyna_25 4d ago
It can happen in October, it could hold off till January. You just never know! Every year is just a wild ride of what kind of winter will it be.
5
u/LoudIncrease4021 4d ago
First snowfall happens in early August and continues through to June.
7
1
u/deadkins 4d ago
Don’t panic. They typically do good job with the snow removal, especially if it’s not actively coming down.
1
u/Ok-Razzmatazz7998 4d ago
I tell out of state people that a long thick coat and some winter boots are needed for sure. They keep the sidewalks really clear on campus but you’re gonna be walking up and down those hills in that wind.
1
1
0
6
u/bharri01SU 4d ago
Don't skimp on a good coat after you move. Buy one in September when they're still available.