Buffalo, New York – Small craft on Lake Erie could be in serious danger this morning as thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 40 knots move northeast across the lake toward Buffalo.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Special Marine Warning remains in effect until 6:15 a.m. Friday from Ripley to Buffalo. The storm system began impacting the area around 4:16 a.m., bringing not only strong winds but also small hail. Boaters from Van Buren Point to Erie Basin Marina are urged to seek safe harbor until the warning expires.
These early-morning storms are part of a broader spring pattern affecting western New York, with scattered thunderstorms expected again Friday morning. Winds from the south at 7 to 15 mph will accompany morning showers before clearing skies push highs to the low 70s by the afternoon.
Friday night, expect another round of thunderstorms after 3 a.m., with rain chances increasing into Saturday morning. The weekend begins wet, but Saturday afternoon will dry out and warm up to 68°F.
Looking Ahead:
- Sunday: Slight chance of showers, highs in the upper 50s
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 61°F
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a low of 44°F at night
- Wednesday–Thursday: Rain chances return midweek with highs in the mid-60s
