Buffalo, New York – Freezing rain is coating parts of western New York early Wednesday, with ice accumulation up to a quarter inch possible through 1 a.m. Thursday, threatening slick roads and isolated power issues.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Northern Erie and Wyoming counties until 1 a.m. EST Thursday. Ice totals ranging from a few hundredths to around 0.25 inch are possible, with the highest amounts expected across the hilltops of northern Wyoming County.
In Erie County, the greatest risk for icing is north of Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Interstate 90. The City of Buffalo faces a lower risk, but untreated roads could still become slippery. In Wyoming County, freezing rain is expected to remain mainly across elevated terrain in the northern half of the county, including areas near Warsaw.
Even thin ice can create hazardous conditions on bridges, overpasses and secondary roads. Drivers should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and prepare for potential delays during both the morning and evening commutes.
Icing may continue in waves through Wednesday night before tapering after 1 a.m. Additional advisories could be issued if ice accumulation becomes more widespread.
