Drivers in western and northern New York should brace themselves for hazardous winter driving conditions starting later this morning, as Winter Weather Advisories are issued throughout numerous counties due to lake-effect snow, strong winds, and quickly dropping temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, lake-effect snow bands will form today as rain turns to snow and colder air enters the region. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected in Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and southern Erie counties between 10 a.m. Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday, with wind gusts up to 45 mph causing blowing snow and impaired visibility.
Farther north, portions of Eastern Lake Ontario, including Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, could receive 4 to 8 inches of snow between 1 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday. Travel in these places may be problematic, especially during prolonged lake-effect snow bands.
Forecasters predict that temperatures will quickly drop below freezing between late morning and afternoon, resulting in icy road conditions when earlier rain freezes on untreated surfaces. Slick roads, limited visibility, and potential delays will greatly hinder the Friday evening commute.
Gusty winds have the potential to uproot tree branches, leading to isolated power outages, especially in areas affected by heavy and blowing snow.
Officials advise passengers to slow down, give themselves more time, and be prepared for rapidly changing circumstances, particularly while crossing lake-effect snow bands, where visibility can drop dramatically over short distances.
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