Buffalo, NY – A broad swath of Western and Central New York is under multiple Winter Weather Advisories tonight into Thursday as lake-effect snow bands intensify across the region, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Buffalo.
Advisories span from Northern Erie and Genesee Counties to the Eastern Lake Ontario Region, including Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties. Additional alerts cover Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga Counties.
Lake-effect snow is expected to begin this evening and continue through Thursday, with 2 to 5 inches likely for most areas and localized totals reaching 5 to 8 inches across the Tug Hill Plateau, Boston Hills, and Chautauqua Ridge. Forecasters warn that winds gusting up to 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow, sharply reducing visibility in the most persistent bands.
According to the NWS, snowfall amounts will vary dramatically within short distances. Many communities will see only light accumulation, while areas directly under narrow lake-effect bands may experience brief but intense bursts capable of quickly covering roads.
Hazardous travel is expected tonight and will likely impact Thursday morning and evening commutes, especially near Buffalo, Batavia, Jamestown, Olean, Oswego, Watertown, and Fair Haven. Roads are expected to become snow covered and slippery, with rapidly changing conditions even within a few miles.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra time, and prepare for sudden visibility drops. The NWS notes that travel in lake-effect zones often becomes dangerous with little warning.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates and submit snow reports to the National Weather Service through social media or their website.
