Today at 3:30 PM, join us on Facebook, X, and YouTube for a conversation about the upcoming lake snow event affecting the area.
A Lake Effect Snow WARNING is in effect starting at 4 PM today until 1 PM on Friday for Southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties. Additionally, a separate Lake Effect Snow WARNING will begin at 10 PM tonight and last until 1 PM Friday for Northern Erie and Genesee Counties.
The forecast indicates a significant lake effect snow event commencing this evening and lasting through Friday. As temperatures drop during the day, rain will transition to snow, impacting parts of Western New York (WNY) tonight through Friday. Strong winds will lead to white-out conditions, creating hazardous travel situations and wind chills nearing zero degrees.
This evening, a lake effect snow band is expected to form just south of Buffalo. It will strengthen overnight and move northward, affecting the Buffalo area until early Thursday morning. The snow band will stretch from Buffalo to the airport and down to Batavia. It will shift south late Thursday morning before returning north in the afternoon and then moving back south early Friday, primarily impacting the Southern Tier before dissipating. Within the snow band, snowfall rates could reach 2-3 inches per hour, accompanied by wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour, resulting in dangerous travel conditions.
Looking ahead, the weather is as follows:
WEDNESDAY
AFTERNOON: Transition from rain to snow, mid 30s.
EVENING: Lake effect snow in the south, mid 20s.
THURSDAY
MORNING: Snow and blowing snow, low 20s.
AFTERNOON: Continued snow and blowing snow, mid 20s.
FRIDAY
MORNING: Snow showers, teens.
AFTERNOON: Transition to mostly cloudy, mid 20s.
SATURDAY
MORNING: Mostly cloudy, teens.
AFTERNOON: Mostly cloudy, mid 30s.
SUNDAY
MORNING: Scattered snow showers, around 30 degrees.
AFTERNOON: Rain showers possible, near 40 degrees.
Given the severity of the impending weather, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during travel. Engaging in community discussions can also provide valuable updates and tips for coping with the conditions. While snow can be challenging, it also offers opportunities for outdoor winter activities and community gatherings. Stay safe and warm!