Buffalo, New York – Drivers across western and central New York should prepare for hazardous travel as lake-effect snow continues to impact the region through late Wednesday night. Snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and strong wind gusts are expected to slow travel, especially during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for much of western New York until 1 a.m. Thursday. The most significant snowfall is expected in Allegany County, where persistent lake-effect bands could drop between 5 and 10 inches of snow, particularly across the northern and western portions of the county. Travel there may become very difficult through Wednesday.
Elsewhere, including Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, and Genesee counties, additional lake-effect snow of 2 to 4 inches is expected on top of earlier accumulations, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. In the Buffalo metro area and northern Erie County, widespread snowfall of 2 to 4 inches is likely Wednesday, with locally higher totals south of the city. Livingston and Ontario counties in the Finger Lakes can expect 3 to 5 inches where lake snow bands persist.
Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are expected to become slick quickly as bands shift. Motorists should allow extra travel time and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Snow showers gradually taper late Wednesday night, though slick spots may linger into early Thursday. Additional advisories remain possible if lake-effect bands intensify or stall.
