Buffalo, New York – Lake effect snow, damaging winds, and dangerous travel conditions are expected across large portions of western and central New York beginning Monday and lasting into the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for multiple counties along and east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with impacts varying by location and timing.
In Northern Erie and Genesee Counties, including Buffalo and Batavia, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected in persistent lake snow bands, with wind gusts up to 75 mph. Blowing snow may cause brief whiteout conditions, particularly during the evening commute.
Monroe County, including Rochester, is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 4 p.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday, with 4 to 8 inches of snow and gusts up to 60 mph, impacting both the evening and Tuesday morning commutes.
In Allegany County, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 4 p.m. Monday through 7 p.m. Wednesday, with 5 to 9 inches of lake effect snow, highest in northern and western areas. Travel may become very difficult as snow bands persist.
The most severe conditions are expected in Jefferson County, including Watertown and areas near Fort Drum, where a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Saturday. Forecast snowfall totals range from 2 to 3 feet, with 60 mph wind gusts, widespread blowing and drifting snow, and prolonged whiteout conditions. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Monday for freezing rain and light ice accumulation in far northern sections and the Thousand Islands.
Forecasters warn that lake effect snow bands can shift rapidly, causing drastically different conditions over short distances. Travel could become nearly impossible at times, especially in warning areas.
Drivers are urged to delay nonessential travel, reduce speed, and prepare for sudden visibility changes as hazardous winter weather continues across upstate New York.
