Rochester, NY – The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of Western and Central New York, including Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Allegany Counties, as forecasters warn of the potential for heavy lake effect snow and gusty winds late this week.
The watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, with total snow accumulations of 7 inches or more possible, particularly within persistent lake effect bands. Winds could gust up to 45 mph, leading to blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility.
Forecasters caution that travel could become very difficult, especially for Thanksgiving holiday travelers. Snow-covered roads, poor visibility, and gusty winds may also bring down tree branches, causing isolated power outages.
The heaviest snow is expected to develop Thursday night through Friday, with conditions improving gradually by Saturday morning as winds shift and snowbands weaken.
Motorists should plan for rapidly changing conditions and are urged to check road reports before traveling. Localized travel disruptions are possible within the strongest snowbands.
For updates, visit 511ny.org or monitor National Weather Service alerts throughout the holiday weekend.
