Onondaga County | 100-110 mph Design Wind Speed | Central New York | Lake Effect Snow & Wind | New York State Building Code
Calculate Syracuse Wind Loads NowSyracuse, located in Onondaga County, New York, requires design wind speeds of 100-110 mph (3-second gust) for Risk Category II structures per ASCE 7-22 maps. Syracuse's wind load requirements reflect the city's position in Central New York, approximately 50 miles south of Lake Ontario, which creates distinctive weather patterns including significant lake effect snow and seasonal wind events.
While Syracuse is not located directly on a Great Lake like Buffalo, the city's proximity to Lake Ontario and its position in the Finger Lakes region creates unique meteorological conditions. Syracuse averages over 120 inches of snowfall annually—one of the highest snowfall totals of any major U.S. city—and this heavy snow is often accompanied by strong winds, creating critical combined wind and snow load scenarios. All building permits in Syracuse must comply with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with New York State amendments.
Design Wind Speed (Risk Category II): 100-110 mph (3-second gust)
Design Wind Speed (Risk Category III): ~110-120 mph
Design Wind Speed (Risk Category IV): ~115-125 mph
Exposure Category: B (urban areas with dense development)
Building Code: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (adopts IBC)
Wind Load Standard: ASCE 7-22
Notable Feature: Syracuse University, Onondaga Lake, salt industry heritage
Special Considerations: Lake effect snow, combined wind/snow loads, extreme winter weather
County: Onondaga County, New York
Syracuse's 100-110 mph design wind speed reflects the city's exposure to Central New York weather systems, including severe winter storms, nor'easters, and occasional severe thunderstorm outbreaks. While Syracuse does not face hurricane threats like coastal cities, nor direct Great Lakes exposure like Buffalo, the city experiences significant wind events during winter storms and severe weather.
The combination of Syracuse's inland location, elevation (~400 feet above sea level), and proximity to Lake Ontario creates wind loading scenarios that require proper engineering analysis. The city has experienced numerous wind events, including the Blizzard of 1966 (which deposited over 100 inches of snow in one week with sustained high winds), the Labor Day Storm of 1998 (with wind gusts exceeding 80 mph and widespread tree damage), and frequent winter nor'easters that produce sustained winds of 40-50 mph with higher gusts.
Annual Snowfall: Syracuse averages 123 inches of snow annually, one of the highest totals for major U.S. cities
Lake Ontario Influence: Located ~50 miles south of Lake Ontario, Syracuse receives lake effect snow bands when northwest winds cross the lake
Wind-Driven Snow: Lake effect snow events are typically accompanied by sustained winds of 25-40 mph, creating significant drift loading
Combined Loading: Engineers must analyze simultaneous high wind and heavy snow loads per ASCE 7-22 load combination requirements
Drift Analysis: Syracuse's heavy snowfall creates extreme drift potential on roofs, particularly in valleys, corners, and leeward areas
Seasonal Variation: Strongest winds occur during fall and winter months (October through March)
Nor'easter Systems: Winter nor'easters produce sustained winds of 40-50 mph with gusts exceeding 70 mph
Severe Thunderstorms: Summer severe weather can produce straight-line winds exceeding 60 mph and occasional tornadoes
Urban Exposure: Syracuse's dense urban development (Exposure Category B) provides wind obstruction compared to open terrain
Calculating wind loads for Syracuse projects requires following ASCE 7-22 methodology while accounting for Central New York conditions and critical combined wind/snow loading. The fundamental velocity pressure equation is:
qz = 0.00256 Kz Kzt Kd Ke V²
For a Syracuse urban project with V = 105 mph (typical ASCE 7-22 value for Central New York) and Exposure Category B conditions:
Results in a velocity pressure of approximately qz = 16.8 psf—moderate wind pressure, but when combined with Syracuse's extreme snow loads (ground snow load typically 50-60 psf) creates critical load combinations requiring careful structural analysis.
Syracuse projects typically utilize Exposure Category B due to the city's dense urban development, mature tree canopy, and numerous buildings providing wind obstructions:
Engineers should document exposure determinations with site photos showing surrounding terrain and nearby obstructions. Syracuse's mature urban development generally supports Exposure B classifications for most projects.
Syracuse projects must be classified into Risk Categories per ASCE 7-22 Table 1.5-1. Higher risk categories require increased design wind speeds:
| Risk Category | Syracuse Design Wind Speed | Building Types |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Category I | ~95-105 mph | Agricultural facilities, temporary structures, minor storage |
| Risk Category II | 100-110 mph | Residential, commercial, Syracuse University buildings, most standard occupancies |
| Risk Category III | ~110-120 mph | Schools, assembly >300, substantial hazardous materials |
| Risk Category IV | ~115-125 mph | Hospitals (Upstate University Hospital, Crouse Hospital), fire stations, emergency shelters, essential facilities |
Syracuse's extreme snowfall creates one of the most critical design considerations: simultaneous wind and snow loads during winter storms. ASCE 7-22 requires engineers to consider load combinations that include both wind and snow:
Syracuse's lake effect snow storms often produce sustained winds of 30-40 mph during heavy snowfall, creating significant combined loading scenarios. Engineers must analyze roof configurations for drift potential, particularly on multi-level roofs, around rooftop equipment, and in valleys.
Syracuse building permits must comply with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with New York State-specific amendments. The current New York State Code adopts the 2020 IBC which references ASCE 7-22 for wind load calculations.
Key New York State code provisions affecting Syracuse wind loads:
Syracuse zip codes in Onondaga County fall within the 100-110 mph design wind speed range for Risk Category II per ASCE 7-22. Common Syracuse zip codes include:
The WindLoadCalc.com wind load calculator automatically determines the correct design wind speed and exposure category when you enter any Syracuse zip code or street address by referencing ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps and site-specific terrain characteristics.
WindLoadCalc.com automatically handles all Syracuse requirements including the 100-110 mph design velocity, Exposure Category B urban conditions, Risk Category adjustments, and critical combined wind/snow load analysis. Simply enter your Syracuse project address or zip code for instant, accurate calculations.
Calculate Syracuse Wind Loads NowAll structural calculations for Syracuse building permits must be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in New York State. Wind load calculations are considered structural engineering work requiring PE licensure. The sealed calculations must include:
New York State requires professional engineering licensure through the New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions. Only PEs licensed in New York may seal engineering documents submitted to Syracuse building officials.
Engineers, architects, and contractors should reference these official resources for Syracuse wind load compliance:
The wind load calculator at WindLoadCalc.com automatically applies all Syracuse-specific requirements:
Syracuse is home to Syracuse University, one of the nation's largest private universities, with numerous campus buildings requiring wind load analysis:
Syracuse's history as the "Salt City" and its location adjacent to Onondaga Lake create unique considerations:
Syracuse has experienced numerous significant wind events that validate current design wind speeds:
Understanding Syracuse's climate is essential for proper wind and snow load analysis:
WindLoadCalc.com provides instant, accurate wind load calculations for Syracuse and Onondaga County projects. Our software automatically handles the 100-110 mph Central New York velocity, urban exposure categories, combined wind/snow loads, and generates PE-ready reports for New York State building permit submission.
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