Buffalo, NY – A prolonged and potentially historic lake-effect snow event is slamming western and central New York, with the National Weather Service issuing Winter Storm Warnings through Wednesday afternoon as snow totals climb into feet—not inches in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, areas east of Lake Ontario—including Watertown, Fort Drum, and the Tug Hill Plateau—could see 2 to 4 feet of snow by Wednesday, with snowfall rates reaching up to 4 inches per hour at times. Winds gusting up to 45 mph will cause severe blowing and drifting snow, leading to frequent whiteout conditions.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego counties, while Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties are also under warnings with expected snowfall totals ranging from 10 inches to more than 2 feet, depending on lake-effect band placement. Cities impacted include Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, Olean, Batavia, Orchard Park, Warsaw, and Springville.
Farther east, the National Weather Service in Albany has issued a Winter Storm Warning for northern Herkimer County, including Old Forge and the Route 28 corridor, where 6 to 12 inches of localized lake-effect snow is expected through early Wednesday.
Forecasters warn that snow bands will oscillate, meaning conditions can deteriorate rapidly with little warning. Travel may be very difficult to impossible, especially during the Monday night through Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for extended disruptions, and carry emergency supplies if travel cannot be avoided. Wind chills between zero and 15 below zero will add to the danger.
Officials stress that this is a multi-day, high-impact winter storm, and conditions may not significantly improve until late Wednesday.
