SATURDAY AM UPDATE
Western New York is grappling with a severe lake effect snowstorm that has dumped multiple feet of snow in some areas, causing widespread travel disruptions, including the closure of a major stretch of the New York State Thruway.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has described the storm as a “prolonged and intense lake effect snow event,” with the heaviest snowfall expected east of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Snowfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour have created near-zero visibility in the most affected regions, stranding vehicles and making travel nearly impossible.
State Thruway Closures and Commercial Traffic Ban
As of late Friday, New York State shut down Interstate 90 to commercial traffic west of Exit 46 in Henrietta due to hazardous conditions. An 80-mile stretch near Ripley is fully closed, with reports of stranded vehicles complicating emergency response efforts. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area entirely.
High snowfall rates continue to target areas such as the Buffalo Southtowns and Tug Hill Plateau. NWS radar shows the bands intensifying over the region, with snow expected to persist through Sunday.
Local Impacts and Forecast
Snowfall totals are staggering. Areas near the Lake Erie shoreline and the Chautauqua Ridge are forecast to accumulate up to 4 feet by Sunday night. Similar amounts are expected east of Lake Ontario, particularly around Tug Hill, where conditions have worsened. The heavy snow bands have been accompanied by wind gusts of up to 35 mph, creating extensive blowing and drifting snow.
The storm has already moved into historic territory, according to meteorologists, with its intensity rivaling past high-impact lake effect snow events.
Emergency Preparations and Warnings
Local officials are urging residents to prepare for extended periods of isolation as emergency services may be delayed in reaching some areas. The NWS has also warned of thundersnow within the strongest snow bands, adding to the storm’s ferocity.
As the storm progresses, snow bands are expected to shift southward on Sunday night, potentially impacting Chautauqua, Erie, and Cattaraugus counties. Additional snow showers could linger into early next week as colder air moves into the region.
Drivers are advised to stay off the roads, particularly in areas under travel advisories or road closures. The storm is expected to maintain its grip on the region through Monday, keeping snow removal crews and emergency responders on high alert.
FRIDAY AM UPDATE
A prolonged and intense lake-effect snow event is set to paralyze areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with some regions bracing for several feet of snow through early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Snowfall began Friday morning with rapidly organizing snow bands. Areas like the Southern Tier, Buffalo’s Southtowns, and the Tug Hill region near Watertown are expected to see the heaviest accumulations. Lake effect snow warnings remain in effect for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties near Lake Erie, as well as Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego counties near Lake Ontario.
Western New York: Significant Snow Accumulations
The most severe impacts are forecast for locations south of Buffalo and along the Chautauqua Ridge, where snow totals could exceed 3 to 4 feet by early next week. Daytime snowfalls of 5 to 10 inches are expected in these bands, with localized bursts of up to a foot. Thundersnow is possible near shorelines, and blowing snow may reduce visibility.
In Buffalo’s Southtowns, snow bands are forecast to move northward Saturday into Sunday, potentially reaching South Buffalo and surrounding suburbs. Travel along Interstate 90 and secondary highways could become treacherous.
By late Sunday, shifting winds are expected to push snow bands back southward, concentrating heavy snow in Chautauqua and southern Erie counties.
Tug Hill and North Country: Up to 5 Feet Possible
East of Lake Ontario, Jefferson and northern Lewis counties are in the bullseye, with Watertown and the Tug Hill Plateau bracing for accumulations of 4 to 5 feet by Sunday. Snowfall rates of 3-4 inches per hour are possible, with the heaviest snow arriving Saturday and Sunday. Snowfall may shift southward into Oswego County by Sunday night, potentially impacting Interstate 81.
Central New York: Snow Showers and Squalls
The National Weather Service in Binghamton reported scattered snow showers and snow squalls Friday afternoon into Saturday. Accumulations are expected to remain lighter compared to WNY, with Steuben and Oneida counties seeing isolated bands.
From Sunday night into Monday, snow showers will move southward into parts of Central New York, possibly extending into the Catskills and Northeast Pennsylvania.
Next Week: Persistent Cold and Snow
The wintry pattern will continue into next week, with additional snow accumulations southeast of the lakes and a potential Arctic cold front arriving late in the week. Highs will remain in the 20s to 30s, with colder air plunging temperatures further by Friday.
Motorists are advised to monitor weather updates, avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
THANKSGIVING PM UPDATE
Western and northern New York are bracing for a major lake-effect snowstorm expected to blanket the region with several feet of snow between Friday and early next week. Areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario will face the heaviest impacts, with localized bands producing intense snowfall rates and the potential for rare thundersnow.
The National Weather Service warns that travel will become extremely dangerous, with some interstates likely to be shut down in the hardest-hit areas. Meteorologists anticipate a prolonged and highly impactful event as a cold, unstable airmass interacts with unusually warm lake temperatures.
Near-Term Impacts: Intense Snow Bands Begin Friday
By early Friday morning, disorganized lake-effect snow showers will organize into heavy, persistent snow bands east of both lakes. Chautauqua County is expected to see 5-10 inches of accumulation by Friday afternoon, with snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour at times. Winds gusting up to 35 mph will contribute to blowing and drifting snow, making travel hazardous in open areas.
Similar conditions will develop east of Lake Ontario, with the Tug Hill Plateau and Watertown metro area expected to face the heaviest snow Friday night. Thunder and lightning may accompany snowfall in the strongest bands, with localized rates exceeding 3 inches per hour.
Weekend: Multi-Day Blizzard-Like Conditions
The storm intensifies over the weekend as frigid air deepens across the region. Snowfall totals are expected to exceed several feet in the most persistent bands, especially in southern Erie County, western Chautauqua County, and the Tug Hill Plateau. Peak snowfall rates could surpass 4 inches per hour east of Lake Ontario on Saturday, with strong winds leading to whiteout conditions.
Bands of lake-effect snow will oscillate slightly over time, but some areas may remain buried under relentless snowfall for extended periods. Conditions will gradually shift Sunday evening as wind patterns veer northwest, carrying snow bands into areas southeast of the lakes.
Long-Term Outlook: Snowy Week Ahead
Cold and snowy conditions will persist through early next week as additional storm systems pass through the region. Forecasters are monitoring the potential for another significant snowfall event midweek, followed by an arctic blast by late next week, potentially bringing the coldest air of the season so far.
Residents are urged to prepare for dangerous travel conditions, potential power outages, and significant disruptions. Those in the hardest-hit areas should avoid non-essential travel and stay updated on local forecasts.
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