Buffalo, New York – A long-duration winter storm is set to impact much of western and central New York starting late Wednesday, with snow-covered roads, icy travel, and lake effect bands creating hazardous conditions through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Buffalo and Albany, multiple Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday or Friday morning, depending on location. Rain will transition to snow Wednesday evening, with widespread accumulations of 3 to 6 inches expected across Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Batavia, and Wellsville. Roads are likely to become slick quickly as temperatures fall below freezing after sunset.
Higher totals are expected east and southeast of Lake Ontario. Wayne and northern Cayuga counties, along with the Tug Hill Plateau and parts of Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, could see 5 to 10 inches as lake effect snow develops Thursday afternoon and continues into Friday morning. Wind chills are expected to drop below zero at times, adding to the danger for motorists and anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Across the Southern Tier, including Jamestown, Olean, Springville, and Warsaw, snow totals of 5 to 10 inches are likely, especially along higher terrain such as the Chautauqua Ridge and Boston Hills. Travel is expected to be difficult during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions as lake effect bands shift. Advisories may be extended if snow persists into Friday morning.
