Buffalo, NY – Drivers across Wayne and Northern Cayuga counties have just hours before lake effect snow bands intensify and turn key roadways slick ahead of the Thursday morning commute. Snow will redevelop in narrow but persistent bands this evening, with 2 to 5 inches expected in the hardest-hit areas before 7 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Wayne and Northern Cayuga counties until 7 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters say general snow will transition to localized lake effect overnight, producing concentrated bursts that could quickly drop visibility below a half-mile.
Across Wayne County, including Newark, Route 104 and stretches of Interstate 90 may see sudden whiteouts as bands shift inland from Lake Ontario. In Northern Cayuga County, Fair Haven and surrounding communities could pick up the highest totals where bands linger the longest. Road crews may struggle to keep pace if snowfall rates briefly exceed an inch per hour.
Drivers should allow extra travel time for the early commute, keep headlights on during heavy bursts, and carry a winter emergency kit. Conditions can vary dramatically within a few miles under lake effect setups.
Additional advisories could follow if bands persist beyond daybreak Thursday.
