Buffalo, N.Y. – Anticipation builds as a significant lake effect snow system is expected to develop across metro Buffalo late Wednesday, transitioning southward to impact the southern tier on Thanksgiving Day. The National Weather Service emphasizes that the timing and location of the initial snow band will be crucial in determining the extent of snowfall and travel conditions for the holiday.
A powerful cold front is set to sweep into the region on Wednesday, bringing with it gusty winds and the potential for heavy lake effect snow in areas east of the lakes. This winter weather will persist from Wednesday night through the end of the week, leading to several advisories and warnings being issued for the area starting late Wednesday.
Specifically, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for northern Erie, Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. Additionally, a Wind Advisory has been declared for the Buffalo metro area and most of Western New York from midday Wednesday through Thursday, while a Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued for southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties from midday Wednesday through Thursday.
As we approach the event, the weather is expected to start mild on Wednesday before the cold front brings dramatic changes. According to NWS meteorologist Aaron Reynolds, the snow could deliver a couple of inches in the Buffalo metro area, with the southern tier bracing for 7 inches or more, depending on how long the snow band remains stationary.
Reynolds noted, “The band is going to move pretty quickly south,” but he cautioned that should conditions change, the impact on metro Buffalo cannot be ruled out entirely. If the snow band slows, it may bring more accumulation; if it speeds up, less snowfall is likely.
In addition to the impending snow, strong winds accompanying the cold front will start to be felt across the region starting Wednesday afternoon. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, which poses the risk of blowing and drifting snow and may lead to difficult travel conditions as well as potential power outages.
Drivers are urged to prepare for slippery road conditions and rapidly changing visibility. The NWS stresses that winter weather will fall in narrow bands, so those traveling should remain vigilant.
The advisories, warnings, and expectations for heavy snowfall create a challenging but manageable situation for residents and travelers as they head into the Thanksgiving holiday. The community is reminded to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions during this potentially harsh winter weather event.