A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Wednesday afternoon for several counties, including Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus. Residents can expect heavy snowfall with rates reaching 2-3 inches per hour, as well as strong winds gusting between 35 to 50 mph. These conditions will lead to blowing and drifting snow, creating at times hazardous whiteout situations due to lake-effect snow.
Additionally, a Cold Weather Advisory has been issued from 10 PM today until 1 PM tomorrow for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties due to wind chills plummeting to nearly 20 degrees below zero.
The band of lake-effect snow is primarily forming to the south of Buffalo, particularly across the Southtowns, where an accumulation of 18-24 inches of snow is anticipated in some of the most intense bands. There will be strong winds contributing to reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions due to blowing and drifting snow.
Tonight and into Tuesday afternoon, the snow will predominantly affect the Southtowns, with localized areas from Eden to Hamburg to Orchard Park potentially receiving 2-3 feet of snow. As the system continues, expect the snow band to shift northward again Tuesday night, though it is predicted to weaken.
Tuesday’s weather will be characterized by frigid conditions, with high temperatures only reaching the teens and wind chills significantly below zero. Motorists and residents should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions due to gusty winds that can create whiteout situations.
Overnight snowfall totals for areas south of Buffalo are expected to accumulate between 18-24 inches, alongside dangerously low wind chills.
Forecast highlights for the upcoming days include:
– Tuesday morning: Continued snow in the southern regions, low teens.
– Tuesday afternoon: Persistent snow, temperatures remaining in the low teens.
– Wednesday morning: Snow showers, temperatures around 10°F.
– Wednesday afternoon: More snow showers, with highs near 30°F.
– Thursday: Morning snow showers near 20°F, afternoon highs in the upper 20s.
– Friday: Morning snow showers around 10°F, afternoon highs near 15°F.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions during this severe winter weather event.