Buffalo, New York – Travel across the Buffalo metro area could become increasingly hazardous starting Sunday night as a prolonged lake effect snow event develops and continues into midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a series of cold fronts moving across the Great Lakes will support significant lake effect snow beginning Sunday night and lasting at least through Wednesday. Initial snow bands are expected to set up northeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Sunday night into Monday, impacting the Buffalo and Rochester areas before shifting south of Buffalo and Watertown Monday night through Tuesday.
Snowfall rates within the strongest lake effect bands could be heavy at times, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Major roadways including Interstate 90, Route 33, Route 400, and Route 219 could become snow-covered with sharply reduced visibility, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Gusty winds may also contribute to blowing and drifting snow, further complicating travel.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for portions of western and north-central New York, highlighting the potential for accumulating snow and significant travel impacts from Sunday night through Wednesday. Areas south of Buffalo and along the Niagara Frontier may see multiple rounds of lake effect snow as bands shift position.
Drivers are urged to prepare for changing road conditions, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy snow, and allow extra time if travel is unavoidable. Additional warnings or advisories are likely as confidence increases in snow band placement and intensity.
