Buffalo, New York – A prolonged lake-effect winter storm is expected to create extremely dangerous travel conditions across much of western and north-central New York through midweek, with snowfall totals measured in feet in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Winter Storm Warnings are in effect from Sunday through Wednesday for a wide swath of the region, including Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties.
In Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, including Watertown and the Tug Hill Plateau, forecasters expect 2 to 3 feet of snow by Wednesday afternoon. Snowfall rates up to 4 inches per hour are possible at times, especially Monday night through Tuesday night, with wind gusts near 45 mph producing blowing and drifting snow and frequent whiteout conditions.
Across Niagara, Orleans, northern Erie, and Genesee counties, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls, snowfall totals of 10 to 20 inches are forecast, with winds gusting up to 50 mph. Lake snowbands are expected to oscillate, causing sharp differences in snowfall over short distances.
Farther south, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and southern Erie counties, including Jamestown, Olean, and the Buffalo Southtowns, are also under a Winter Storm Warning from Monday morning through Wednesday, with 10 to 20 inches of snow expected.
The National Weather Service warns that travel will be very difficult to impossible at times, with hazardous conditions impacting Monday through Wednesday commutes. Tree damage and isolated power outages are possible due to strong winds. Wind chills between zero and 15 below zero are expected Monday night through Tuesday night.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor updates closely, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions as lake-effect snowbands shift.
