Buffalo, NY – Western and Northern New York could see a dangerous stretch of winter weather beginning late Wednesday night, as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Buffalo issues multiple Winter Storm Watches that may disrupt Thanksgiving travel.
According to the NWS, heavy lake effect snow is possible across Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties. Snowfall totals could exceed 7 inches in the most persistent bands, with wind gusts up to 40–45 mph creating blowing and drifting snow and occasional whiteout conditions.
The watch begins Wednesday evening and continues through Saturday morning in some areas, overlapping with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Forecasters caution that conditions could deteriorate rapidly, particularly along the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie snow belts.
“Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” the agency said, urging drivers to prepare for slippery roads and possible power outages due to gusty winds.
Localized travel problems are expected where the heaviest snow bands develop. Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts and plan holiday travel accordingly.
