Buffalo, New York – A potentially disruptive winter storm could impact much of New York from Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 17, with the highest confidence for significant winter weather focused on Western New York and areas near the Great Lakes.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, most of New York currently sits within a 20 to 40 percent probability for impactful winter weather, while Western New York, especially along the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario lakefronts, faces probabilities as high as 60 to 70 percent. The storm is expected to strengthen as it tracks from the Great Lakes into the Northeast, tapping colder air and producing widespread snow.
The greatest impacts are likely across Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Watertown, where lake-enhanced snowfall could significantly increase accumulations. Travel along Interstate 90, the New York State Thruway, Route 33, and Route 104 may become hazardous, particularly during periods of heavier snow and gusty winds. Blowing snow could sharply reduce visibility in open and lake-adjacent areas.
Across central and eastern New York, including Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and the Hudson Valley, snowfall potential remains more uncertain but still carries meaningful risk. I-81, I-87, and I-88 could see slick and snow-covered conditions, especially during overnight and early morning travel windows. Small shifts in storm track could significantly change snowfall totals in these regions.
Officials urge residents to prepare now by monitoring forecasts, adjusting travel plans, and ensuring vehicles are winter-ready. NYSDOT cautions that rapidly changing road conditions are possible once snow begins.
Forecast confidence is expected to increase over the next couple of days. Winter storm watches, advisories, or warnings are likely, especially for Western New York, as details on snowfall intensity and duration become clearer.
