Buffalo, NY – A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for parts of Western New York, including Erie and Genesee counties, as a lake effect snow event threatens to impact Thanksgiving travel from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Forecasters say heavy snow bands could produce 7 inches or more of accumulation, especially south and east of Buffalo and into southwest Genesee County. Strong winds gusting up to 50 mph may lead to blowing and drifting snow, creating near whiteout conditions in some areas.
The NWS cautions that travel could become difficult, with slushy, snow-covered roads and very poor visibility expected during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Isolated power outages may also occur due to the combination of snow and gusty winds.
Meteorologists note there’s still uncertainty regarding where the heaviest snow bands will set up and how quickly lake effect rain transitions to snow, both of which could affect total accumulations.
Residents and travelers are urged to monitor forecast updates and prepare for rapidly changing conditions, as weather can vary dramatically within short distances during lake effect events.
