(WNY News Now) A Winter Storm Watch is in force this week, and Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties are prepared for significant snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous traffic.
For Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Buffalo, New York, has issued a Winter Storm Watch and a Lake Effect Snow Warning. It is urged that residents get ready for dangerous winter weather, which includes strong gusts and a lot of snow.
A further 4 to 8 inches of snow are anticipated in locations where lake-effect snow is still present, and the Lake Effect Snow Warning is in place until 7 PM EST today. The largest accumulations will occur in western Cattaraugus County and at higher elevations around Chautauqua Ridge.
The Winter Storm Watch calls for wind gusts of up to 50 mph and total snow accumulations of more than 7 inches in certain locations beginning Wednesday evening and lasting until late Thursday night. Snow is likely to blow and drift as a result of these conditions, drastically decreasing visibility and raising the danger of accidents.
In addition to the storm’s duration, commuters may expect challenging circumstances during Tuesday morning and evening rush hours. Isolated power outages could result from the strong winds toppling tree branches.
Because visibility and road conditions can change quickly due to narrow bands of heavy snow, the NWS advises drivers to be cautious. Residents are urged to use social media or the NWS website to report snow accumulations.
Now is the moment for people in the impacted areas to check emergency supplies, keep informed about the most recent weather information from reliable sources, and avoid needless travel.