Bitter cold temperatures and lake-effect snow will continue across western and north-central New York through Friday, creating hazardous travel conditions as snow bands shift across the region.
According to the National Weather Service office in Buffalo, wind chill values well below zero are expected again today, adding to already dangerous cold conditions. At the same time, a band of lake-effect snow will gradually lift northward from areas east of Lake Ontario toward Watertown today, before settling southward toward Oswego County tonight.
Forecasters say lake-effect snow bands may oscillate north and south multiple times, leading to rapidly changing road conditions over short distances. Areas under persistent bands could experience significantly higher snowfall totals than nearby locations. Travel along major corridors including I-90, I-81, NY-104, and I-190 may be impacted as snow-covered roads and reduced visibility develop.
Several Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Advisories remain in effect. Warnings extend through Thursday evening for portions of Wayne County, northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, while a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for parts of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties through this morning.
In addition to snow, frigid temperatures will persist through Saturday, with wind chills remaining below zero for much of the time. These conditions increase the risk of frostbite on exposed skin and pose dangers for anyone stranded outdoors or on the road.
The National Weather Service urges residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and cover all exposed skin. Drivers should allow extra travel time, keep emergency supplies in vehicles, and remain alert for sudden drops in visibility when encountering lake-effect snow bands.
While confidence is high that lake-effect snow will continue, minor changes in wind direction could significantly alter where the heaviest snow falls. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and warnings as conditions evolve through the end of the week.
