Western and Central New York – Widespread snow, gusty winds, and localized lake effect bands are expected to create hazardous travel conditions across much of New York through Saturday night and early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, multiple Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across western, central, and north-central New York as an Arctic front moves through the region.
For Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties, including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and Olean, the advisory continues until 7 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches of additional snow, with locally higher amounts on hilltops south of Buffalo and across Orleans County. Winds gusting up to 40 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility at times.
A longer-duration advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday for Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Livingston, and Ontario counties, including Rochester, Oswego, Newark, Geneseo, and Canandaigua. Snow totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected in most areas, with 4 to 8 inches possible along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Gusty winds up to 35 mph may produce near-whiteout conditions in lake effect snow bands.
In Jefferson County, including Watertown, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday. Snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected, with the heaviest amounts south of the city and blowing snow possible near the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Officials warn that travel may be difficult, with snow-covered roads and rapidly changing visibility as snow squalls and lake effect bands develop. Conditions may vary significantly over short distances.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and use caution, especially near the lakeshores and in open areas prone to blowing snow. Drivers are also encouraged to submit snow reports through National Weather Service websites or social media channels.
