Albany, NY – A potent winter system sweeping across the Northeast today is expected to deliver heavy snow and fast-moving snow squalls to portions of western New England and areas downwind of the Great Lakes, creating dangerous travel conditions into Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, strong west-northwest winds will sustain intense lake-effect snow bands through late tonight, with snowfall rates reaching 1–2 inches per hour at times. Additional snow totals of 6–12 inches are forecast, with locally higher amounts possible near Lakes Erie and Ontario.
At the same time, a cold front moving eastward will spark scattered snow squalls this afternoon and evening across New York, Pennsylvania, and western New England. These brief but powerful bursts of snow could cause near-zero visibility, slick roads, and sudden whiteout conditions on major highways including I-90, I-81, and I-84.
Forecasters warn that even short-lived snow squalls can lead to dangerous multi-vehicle accidents, urging drivers to slow down and avoid travel during active squalls. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Saturday morning as snow bands weaken.
Residents from Buffalo to Albany and into western Massachusetts and Vermont should monitor local forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions tonight.
