(WNY News Now) Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties are under a Lake Effect Snow Warning, with up to 30 inches of snow expected through Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Buffalo.
On Tuesday, December 3, the Buffalo National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning that will last until 7:00 PM EST.Heavy lake effect snow is highlighted in the warning, with possible accumulations of 18 to 30 inches in the areas that are receiving the most snow, especially in Chautauqua County and the western parts of Cattaraugus County.
It is recommended that travelers be ready for extremely dangerous circumstances.because heavy snowfall and blowing snow might cause visibility to plummet below 1/4 mile. It is anticipated that roads would be heavily blanketed, making travel very difficult. The NWS advises drivers to postpone their plans if at all feasible or to drive extremely carefully by:
- Allowing extra time to reach destinations,
- Maintaining greater distance from other vehicles,
- Avoiding abrupt braking and acceleration,
- Taking extra care on hills and during turns.
Conditions may change quickly as a result of the snow’s predicted thin bands. These variations could cause abrupt drops in visibility and severe snowfall in certain areas.
To help follow storm developments, residents are requested to report snowfall via the NWS website or social media accounts.