BUFFALO, N.Y. — Forecasters warned Saturday that a prolonged period of lake-effect snow could bring hazardous travel conditions across much of western and north-central New York beginning Sunday evening and lasting through midweek.
The National Weather Service said a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Sunday for parts of Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, where additional snowfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected. The heaviest snow through early Sunday is forecast for far southern Jefferson County, southwestern Lewis County and eastern portions of Oswego County.
Beyond the weekend, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued from Sunday evening through Wednesday afternoon for a broad swath of upstate New York, including the Buffalo metro area, the eastern Lake Ontario region and the Tug Hill Plateau. Forecasters said persistent lake-effect snowbands could produce total snow accumulations of 7 inches or more in areas where bands remain stationary.
Winds gusting between 40 and 45 mph are expected at times, leading to blowing and drifting snow and sharply reduced visibility. Officials said travel could become very difficult, particularly during the Monday morning and evening commutes. Snow-covered roads, sudden whiteouts and rapidly changing conditions are possible.
The weather service noted that lake-effect snowbands may shift and oscillate during the event, meaning snowfall totals could vary widely over short distances. The greatest duration of snowfall is expected from the Buffalo metro area east toward Batavia and south into parts of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, as well as across the Tug Hill region east of Lake Ontario.
Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages. Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution and stay informed of the latest forecasts as conditions evolve.
