(WNY News Now) NWS Buffalo warns residents of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous travel in areas of Western New York with a critical Lake Effect Snow Warning.
The Buffalo-based National Weather Service (NWS) has declared a Lake place Snow Warning, which will be in place for Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties from 7 PM on December 4 to 4 AM on December 6 and for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties until 4 AM on December 7. In the most persistent lake-effect zones, residents should expect 6 to 20 inches of snow along with severe winds of up to 50 mph.
Key Areas Affected:
- Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties: Greatest accumulations in the Boston Hills and western Wyoming County.
- Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties: Heaviest snowfall expected along the Chautauqua Ridge.
Impacts on Travel and Infrastructure:
Travel conditions will become dangerous as visibility will be greatly reduced by blowing snow. It is anticipated that Thursday’s morning and evening commutes will be significantly affected. Tree limbs may fall amid gusty winds, resulting in isolated power outages.
Rapid Weather Changes Expected:
Often, lake-effect snow falls in powerful, narrow bands. Within a few miles, there may be abrupt changes from deep snow and almost no visibility to brighter conditions, so drivers and locals should be ready for this.
Precautions and Instructions:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period.
- If traveling, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
- Submit snow reports via the NWS Buffalo website or social media to assist in monitoring conditions.