Buffalo, NY – A dangerous lake-effect snowstorm is forming across western and north-central New York this Thanksgiving, with narrow but intense bands expected to deliver more than 2 feet of snow across the Chautauqua Ridge, Boston Hills, and Tug Hill Plateau. Winds up to 50 mph will create blowing and drifting snow, rapidly dropping visibility to near zero at times.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Lake Effect Snow Warnings remain in effect from 1 a.m. Weather Today – Thanksgiving Day 2025 through early Saturday for Jefferson, Lewis, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties. Forecasters expect 12 to 22 inches in the most persistent snow bands, with 7 to 12 inches across Allegany County starting at 7 a.m., and similar totals for Wayne and Northern Cayuga Counties beginning early Friday. According to meteorologists, the biggest bursts will target the Tug Hill and southern Erie County late this morning through tonight. According to NYSDOT, travel will be very difficult along I-90, Route 20A, US-219, and Route 60, where drifting will be most severe.
Bands off Lake Erie will first lock onto the Southtowns and higher terrain, while bands off Lake Ontario intensify across the Tug Hill before sagging south toward Oswego County Thursday night. Snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour are possible during peak banding.
Officials urge residents to delay all non-essential travel. Those who must drive should bring winter emergency supplies—flashlights, blankets, food, water—and expect sudden whiteouts and deep drifts. Power outages are possible as heavy, wind-driven snow weighs down tree limbs.
Conditions remain hazardous through Friday night, with only gradual improvement early Saturday.
