Buffalo, N.Y. — Snow spreads across western and north-central New York Friday, escalating into dangerous snow squalls tonight that snarl travel along I-90, I-190, I-81, and I-86 as an arctic front sweeps through the region.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo said light to moderate snow develops from west to east through the day, with only minor daytime impacts. Conditions deteriorate rapidly this evening as a sharp cold front triggers brief but intense snow squalls between roughly 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., producing bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds, and near-zero visibility.
Snow totals by Friday evening generally reach 1 to 2 inches across much of western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Overnight, localized amounts increase to 2 to 4 inches in narrow corridors as squalls cross the region. Gusty winds cause blowing and drifting snow, rapidly covering previously cleared pavement.
The most hazardous travel targets I-90 from Dunkirk through Buffalo and Rochester, I-190 near Niagara Falls, I-490 around Rochester, and I-81 north of Syracuse toward Watertown. I-86 from Jamestown eastward also faces sudden whiteouts as squalls race through.
Communities impacted include Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Rochester, Batavia, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Oswego, and Watertown. Visibility may collapse within minutes under the strongest squalls, leaving drivers with little warning before encountering snow-covered roads.
The New York State Department of Transportation urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during squalls, reduce speed immediately if visibility drops, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Snow squalls diminish toward early Saturday morning, but cold air and gusty winds linger. Dangerous wind chills develop late tonight and persist into Saturday, allowing icy patches to remain on area roads well after snowfall ends.
