Buffalo, New York – Drivers across Western New York could face snow-covered roads and sudden whiteouts by the Monday morning commute as lake-enhanced bands organize over Chautauqua County tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from this evening through late Monday night for Chautauqua County, including Jamestown. Forecasters say heavy lake-enhanced snow may produce 7 inches or more of accumulation, with the greatest totals along the Chautauqua Ridge axis where upslope flow will intensify snowfall rates.
Light snow will continue across the county through this afternoon and early evening before transitioning to heavier, more concentrated bands overnight. Narrow corridors of intense snowfall could quickly reduce visibility and coat roadways, especially along higher elevations of the Ridge. Routes such as I-86, Route 60 and secondary county roads may become slick with rapidly changing conditions.
Both the Monday morning and evening commutes could be impacted as snow bands shift and redevelop. Motorists should allow extra travel time, keep headlights on in low visibility and carry winter emergency supplies.
Snow is expected to taper late Monday night, but additional advisories or warnings could be issued as snowfall bands become more defined.
