The Buffalo-Niagara region is bracing for a windy Sunday, with the National Weather Service forecasting gusts from the northwest that could reach up to 50 mph at times. These strong winds are expected to maintain speeds between 35-45 mph throughout the day, decreasing slightly to 25-35 mph later in the evening and into Monday.
A Wind Advisory has been issued for several counties in the area, including Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Allegany. The advisory will remain in effect until 1 AM EST on Monday, urging residents and travelers to remain cautious, especially when driving high-profile vehicles. Forecasters warn that unsecured objects may be blown around, and isolated power outages could occur as tree limbs are affected by the gusty winds.
In addition to the strong winds, lake effect rain showers are forecasted to transition into snow across the southeastern areas of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Significant snowfall is expected primarily in the southern tier, especially in higher terrain areas, where accumulations could range from 4 to 7 inches in some locations. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties until 1 PM EST Monday, indicating difficult travel conditions due to snow-covered roads and poor visibility.
Residents in the more populated Buffalo metro area might only see a few flurries with minimal accumulation. However, the presence of strong winds will create challenges for those navigating the region, particularly during the Monday morning commute. As the weather pattern shifts, any lingering lake effect snow is likely to change to rain by Tuesday, allowing for a return to mainly dry weather in the following days, thanks to an incoming high-pressure system.
Overall, while gusty winds and winter weather may create some short-term challenges, the expectation of dryer and calmer conditions later in the week offers a promising outlook for the Buffalo-Niagara region.