Buffalo, New York – Drivers east of Lake Ontario should prepare now for slick roads by daybreak Friday, with up to 4 inches of snow and a glaze of ice expected to impact I-81 and surrounding highways through Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the eastern Lake Ontario region Friday and Friday night. A wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain will develop early Friday morning as colder air settles across the region. Ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch are possible, especially across higher terrain and the Saint Lawrence Valley.
Snow and mixed precipitation will likely begin around 5 a.m. Friday, creating hazardous conditions for the morning commute along I-81 near Watertown, US-11 and NY-3. Periods of accumulating snow may produce totals of 2 to 4 inches, with the higher end expected across elevated areas and near the Tug Hill Plateau. Travel along I-86 and portions of I-90 east of Rochester could also become slick as precipitation expands.
Even light icing can coat bridges and untreated secondary roads, increasing the risk of spinouts and minor crashes. Visibility may briefly drop below one mile in steadier snow bands.
Residents should allow extra travel time, reduce speed and keep headlights on during reduced visibility. Charge devices and check the latest road conditions before heading out. The wintry mix is expected to taper late Friday night, but lingering icy patches could persist into early Saturday.
