Western New York – Prolonged lake effect snow is creating hazardous travel conditions across much of western and north-central New York, with multiple Winter Weather Advisories remaining in effect through Saturday evening and into early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, advisories cover a wide area including Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Monroe, Wayne, Oswego, Livingston, Ontario, and Jefferson counties. The alerts vary by location, with expiration times ranging from 1 p.m. Saturday in Jefferson County, 7 p.m. Saturday across much of western New York, and 7 a.m. Sunday for areas east of Lake Ontario.
Forecasters report additional snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches in parts of western New York, with 2 to 4 inches common farther east and locally 3 to 5 inches possible along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Winds gusting between 35 and 40 miles per hour are expected to cause blowing and drifting snow, leading to poor or rapidly changing visibility, including brief whiteout conditions.
Travel impacts are expected along major corridors including Interstate 90, Interstate 81, Interstate 390, U.S. Route 219, and Route 104, particularly south of Buffalo, across Orleans County, and east of Rochester toward Oswego. Snow-covered roads and drifting may make driving difficult, especially during heavier lake effect bands.
The National Weather Service warns that lake effect snow can vary sharply over short distances, with intense snowfall affecting one community while nearby areas see lighter conditions. Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time.
Commuters, delivery drivers, and students traveling this weekend should plan for periods of reduced visibility and slick roadways, especially near lakeshores and higher terrain.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts, submit snow reports to the National Weather Service, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavier snow bands when conditions deteriorate rapidly.
