Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) – We’re closely monitoring conditions that will trigger another round of lake effect snow later on Wednesday, lasting through the end of the week.
Wednesday’s temperatures will start in the low to mid-40s but will drop from west to east, with Thursday’s high temperatures only reaching the upper teens to near 30.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all of Erie County, including metro Buffalo, as well as Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties from late Wednesday through Friday.
Where?
Lake effect snow can be unpredictable, so where will the snow band hit hardest?
“Areas immediately south of Buffalo will see the heaviest snowfall,” says National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Welch. “The Southtowns will be hit the hardest, but the snow band will fluctuate slightly, reaching into South Buffalo and the northtowns at times.”
However, Welch emphasizes that the heaviest snow will be concentrated across Buffalo’s Southtowns and central Erie County.
Accumulations
“What we’re expecting is at least 7 inches, with the possibility of more than a foot,” Welch adds. “We’re still analyzing models to refine our confidence in the snowfall amounts.”
Timing
When should we expect the worst conditions?
“The heaviest snow will hit Thursday morning and continue through the day and into Thursday night.”
Cold
“Thursday will likely be the coldest day of the season so far, with temperatures staying in the 20s across most of the area.”
WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON
- WHAT: Heavy lake effect snow is possible, with total snow accumulations exceeding 1 foot in the most persistent snow bands. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, causing blowing and drifting snow.
- WHERE: Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties.
- WHEN: From Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon.
- IMPACTS: Travel will be difficult due to deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Heavy snow bands could rapidly change road conditions and visibility. Localized travel issues are possible. During lake effect snow, weather conditions can shift from heavy snow and low visibility to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be ready for quick changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.
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