Buffalo, New York – Multiple winter weather alerts remain in effect across western and north-central New York, with dangerous lake effect snow ongoing and a widespread winter storm expected late Saturday night through Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday for the eastern Lake Ontario region, including Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. Persistent lake effect snow bands are producing an additional 8 to 16 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 40 mph causing blowing and drifting snow and severely reduced visibility. Travel is expected to be very difficult, especially across the Tug Hill Plateau.
Elsewhere across western New York, multiple Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through Friday afternoon or Saturday morning for areas including Buffalo, Rochester, Jamestown, and surrounding counties. Additional lake effect snow of 1 to 5 inches is expected in narrow but intense bands, with rapidly changing road conditions.
A Winter Storm Watch is then in effect from late Saturday night through Monday evening for much of western and north-central New York, including Niagara, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Allegany, Ontario, and surrounding counties. Heavy snow with significant accumulations is likely, with impacts expected to extend through the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Forecasters warn that widespread snow-covered roads, blowing snow, and poor visibility could make travel very difficult to impossible at times. Residents are urged to begin preparations now and closely monitor forecast updates as confidence increases.
Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel during lake effect snow bands and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Emergency kits and winterized vehicles are strongly recommended.
Communities across western New York should prepare for a prolonged period of hazardous winter weather.
