Buffalo, NY – Quiet weather through Christmas Day will give way to a potentially hazardous winter storm Friday into Friday night across Western and North Central New York.
According to the National Weather Service Buffalo, the region is expected to remain mostly dry through Wednesday and Thursday, with only occasional light snow showers possible at times. That calm period ends Friday as a messy winter system moves into the area, bringing accumulating snow and a wintry mix.
Forecasters say precipitation is expected to overspread the region Friday, continuing into Friday night. Snow is likely across much of Western and North Central New York, while areas in the Southern Tier face higher chances for freezing rain or mixed precipitation. Ice accretion in those areas could create slick road conditions and localized power concerns.
The National Weather Service cautioned that travel could become hazardous, especially for those planning post-holiday trips late Friday or Friday night. Roads may quickly deteriorate as temperatures hover near or below freezing during the heaviest precipitation.
Conditions are expected to briefly improve Saturday, with a drying trend allowing for some recovery on area roadways. However, forecasters note the break will be short-lived.
Another system is expected to arrive Sunday, bringing widespread rain during the day. As colder air moves in Sunday night, rain is forecast to change over to snow, accompanied by very blustery winds that could further impact travel and visibility.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as timing and precipitation types may shift. Commuters and holiday travelers should plan for potential delays and changing road conditions late Friday and again Sunday night.
This outlook is especially relevant for students, young workers, and commuters traveling after Christmas or returning ahead of the new workweek.
