Buffalo, New York – Drivers across western and north central New York face immediate travel hazards overnight as dense fog reduces visibility to as low as a quarter mile through early Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Saturday, impacting a wide stretch from Niagara Falls and Buffalo through Rochester, Oswego, and Watertown. Visibility may drop suddenly, especially along major corridors including I-90, I-190, and I-81.
Cities such as Jamestown, Batavia, Geneseo, and Canandaigua are also seeing reduced visibility, with fog thickest in low-lying areas and near lakeshores. Along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, moisture-rich air is helping sustain widespread fog, creating rapidly changing driving conditions.
The biggest concern is during the overnight and early morning hours when visibility can fall below 0.25 miles with little warning. This increases the risk of slowdowns, sudden stops, and potential multi-vehicle incidents, especially on high-speed routes and rural roads.
Drivers are urged to slow down immediately, use low-beam headlights, and maintain extra distance between vehicles. Avoid using high beams, which can reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility. Allow extra time for travel and remain alert for changing conditions.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after sunrise Saturday, but patchy fog may linger in some areas. Additional advisories could be issued if visibility remains low into the morning hours.
