Buffalo, New York – A prolonged period of winter weather is expected to impact western and north-central New York beginning Friday, bringing widespread snow, blowing and drifting snow, and dangerously cold wind chills through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, light snow will develop Friday, becoming more widespread Friday night and continuing into Saturday night. While much of the snowfall will be light to moderate, forecasters warn that an Arctic cold front Friday night may trigger brief but intense snow squalls, capable of producing sudden whiteout conditions and extremely hazardous travel.
Gusty winds are expected to increase late Friday evening and persist into Saturday, leading to blowing and drifting snow, especially in open and rural areas. Travel impacts are likely along major corridors including Interstate 90 near Buffalo and Rochester, I-86 across the Southern Tier, I-390, and I-490.
Snowfall amounts will vary by location, but the National Weather Service emphasizes that visibility reductions, rather than snow totals, will be the primary hazard during squalls. Even short-lived bursts of heavy snow could rapidly coat roads and reduce visibility to near zero.
In addition to snow and wind, dangerously cold wind chills are forecast to develop late Friday night and continue through Sunday morning. Wind chills are expected to fall well below zero across the region, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for all of western and north-central New York from late Friday night through Sunday morning. Winter Weather Advisories have also been issued for multiple counties, including Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne, northern Cayuga, and Oswego.
This weather pattern may significantly impact commuters, long-distance travelers, truck drivers, and outdoor workers, particularly Friday night through Saturday.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during snow squalls, dress for extreme cold, prepare vehicles for winter conditions, and monitor updates from the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.
