Buffalo, New York – Western and central New York are facing a prolonged stretch of dangerous winter weather as intense lake effect snow continues through Friday, followed by a broader winter storm that could bring widespread heavy snow from late Saturday night into Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect through Friday for southern Erie and Wyoming counties, where an additional 8 to 14 inches of snow is possible in persistent bands. Winds gusting up to 40 mph are producing blowing and drifting snow, sharply reducing visibility and making travel very difficult, especially south and east of Buffalo.
Farther north and east, a Winter Storm Warning continues for the eastern Lake Ontario region, including Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. The Tug Hill Plateau could see an additional 2 to 3 feet of snow through Friday, with near-whiteout conditions at times. Elsewhere across Buffalo, Batavia, Jamestown, Olean, Niagara Falls, and Wellsville, winter weather advisories remain in effect as lake effect bands shift.
Attention then turns to a Winter Storm Watch covering nearly all of western and north-central New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, and the Finger Lakes, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. Widespread heavy snow could once again make travel hazardous or impossible. Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid unnecessary travel during peak snowfall, and monitor updates as conditions evolve.
