Buffalo, New York — A widespread Winter Storm Warning remains in effect Thursday across much of western and central New York, with heavy snow, blowing snow, and bitter cold expected to significantly impact travel through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are forecast across Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Southern Erie, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, and Oswego counties, with 4 to 8 inches expected across Niagara, Orleans, Northern Erie, and Genesee counties. Farther north, Jefferson and Lewis counties may see 5 to 10 inches, with the highest totals focused on the Tug Hill Plateau.
The warning remains in effect until 1 a.m. Friday for parts of southwestern New York, 7 p.m. this evening for Niagara and Orleans counties, 7 a.m. Friday for Jefferson and Lewis counties, and through early Friday afternoon for areas east of Lake Ontario, including Rochester and Oswego.
Winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour are producing blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making roads hazardous. Forecasters said travel will be difficult to very difficult, with impacts expected during both the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
In Oswego and surrounding counties, widespread snow is expected to transition to localized lake-effect snow later today and continue into Friday morning. Wind chills are forecast to fall to near or below zero through Friday morning, increasing the risk for frostbite and compounding travel hazards.
Motorists are urged to delay unnecessary travel, reduce speed, and allow extra stopping distance. Emergency officials recommend carrying winter survival supplies if travel cannot be avoided.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official National Weather Service updates and local road condition reports as snowfall intensity and duration may vary by location.
