Buffalo, NY – A strong burst of lake-effect snow is impacting western and central New York today, with the heaviest snowfall southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario expected to create difficult travel conditions through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, snow bands will remain focused southeast of both lakes through Friday evening before gradually weakening overnight. The heaviest snow totals—ranging from 8 to 12 inches—are expected near Dunkirk, Springville, and Fulton, with 6–8 inches possible in surrounding areas such as Jamestown, Wellsville, and Oswego County.
Lighter accumulations of 1–3 inches are expected in Buffalo, Batavia, and Rochester. Snow intensity will begin to taper later tonight, with lake-effect snow diminishing by early Saturday morning.
Forecasters warn that travel could be hazardous at times due to low visibility, slick roads, and bursts of heavy snow in the strongest lake-effect bands. Motorists are urged to use caution, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary driving until conditions improve.
Lake-effect snow events are common this time of year, but today’s setup is producing particularly concentrated bands capable of rapid accumulations over short distances, especially across the Southern Tier and northwestern counties.
