Buffalo, New York – A multi-hazard weather system is expected to impact western and north-central New York from Sunday afternoon into early next week, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lake effect snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Flood Watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon for much of western New York. Widespread rainfall is forecast to begin Sunday afternoon and continue into Monday, with rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches possible. Forecasters say runoff from the rainfall could result in minor flooding of streams and creeks, particularly in the Buffalo-area waterways.
Behind the cold front on Monday, conditions are expected to turn sharply colder and windier. Strong winds are forecast to develop Monday and Monday night, with gusts exceeding 50 mph possible northeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These winds may down small tree limbs, cause isolated power disruptions, and make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
As colder air pours in, precipitation will transition from rain to snow, with heavy lake effect snow developing late Monday. The National Weather Service says lake effect snow may persist through at least midweek, particularly east of the lakes. Snow combined with strong winds could lead to periods of reduced visibility and hazardous travel, especially in lake-effect-prone areas.
Forecasters emphasize that the timing and intensity of lake effect snow bands remain uncertain, but impacts could be significant where bands persist. Residents are urged to closely monitor forecast updates as warnings or advisories may be issued.
Drivers are advised to be alert for rapidly changing road conditions from rain and flooding concerns Sunday to snow-covered and wind-blown roads by Monday night.
