Buffalo, NY – Lake-effect snow continues to intensify south and southeast of the eastern Great Lakes this evening, with some of the strongest bands producing heavy accumulations and rapidly changing travel conditions through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the most intense snowfall will impact communities downwind of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, where winds shifting from west to northwest will create blowing and drifting across open terrain.
Forecasters say the Lake Erie band is primarily targeting the western Southern Tier, with lighter totals expected across the Boston Hills and Wyoming County. Snowfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour in the core of the band. Areas such as Springville, Silver Creek, and Jamestown may see 4–6 inches, with pockets nearing higher amounts depending on band movement.
The Lake Ontario band is stronger, with the most intense snowfall centered over southern Oswego County, and extending into eastern Wayne and northern Cayuga counties. These locations may experience snowfall rates between 2 and 2.5 inches per hour, with the potential for 12–18 inches in the hardest-hit zones southeast of the lake.
Travelers along the Thruway and state routes east of Rochester, as well as those near Oswego, Fulton, and Fair Haven, should expect low visibility and snow-covered roads through early Saturday. The Tug Hill region will see lighter totals but may still experience bursts of lake-effect snow.
Outside the main bands, the National Weather Service says passing snow showers will bring only a dusting to a coating, though gusty winds may still create brief visibility issues.
Drivers are urged to slow down and monitor updates as bands shift overnight.
