The National Weather Service has issued lake effect snow warnings for parts of central New York, including all of Cayuga County.

In the southern half of the county, the warning extends from 10 a.m. today until 10 a.m. Sunday. The NWS says an organized lake effect band will set up this morning and become heavy at times during the afternoon and evening. Six to 10 inches of accumulation are predicted by Saturday morning. Storm totals by Sunday morning could easily exceed a foot.

The warning for the county's northern half in place through 6 p.m. Saturday. Six to 9 inches of snow are predicted today for the most persistent snow bands, which would include the tip of Cayuga County. Another 5 to 9 inches are predicted overnight, and then 3 to 6 inches during the day Saturday.

Lake effect snow warnings mean the NWS predicts significant amounts of snow that will make driving dangerous, with times of zero visibility and treacherous road conditions.

"Travel is strongly discouraged," the NWS states. "If you must travel ... keep an extra flashlight .. food .. and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."