Buffalo, New York – A winter storm is expected to deteriorate travel conditions across Western New York today into early Saturday, bringing 3 to 6 inches of snow in many areas along with ice accumulations up to one-quarter inch in parts of the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the storm will impact the area from 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday, with the heaviest snowfall and greatest impacts occurring from mid-afternoon through mid-evening. Snowfall rates may briefly reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, particularly from Rochester eastward toward the Finger Lakes.
Forecast maps show Rochester and surrounding areas could receive 4 to 6 inches of snow, while Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier are expected to see around 2 to 4 inches, depending on how long snow persists before mixing with sleet or freezing rain. The Weather Service notes high uncertainty in exact totals due to the evolving precipitation type.
As temperatures hover near freezing, snow is expected to transition to sleet and freezing rain by late morning or early afternoon, especially across the Southern Tier, where ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.25 inches are possible. Freezing rain could also extend northward into parts of the western Finger Lakes.
Even modest ice amounts can lead to slick roads and hazardous travel, particularly on untreated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses. Visibility may be reduced during heavier snow bands, further complicating driving conditions.
Forecasters emphasize that if precipitation remains mostly snow for longer than expected, snowfall totals could trend higher in localized areas. Residents are urged to monitor updates and use caution when traveling as conditions change throughout the day.
