Intense lake effect snow with snowfall rates near 2" per hour, combined with 30-40mph wind gusts causing whiteout conditions. A Blizzard Warning has been issued for whiteouts within lake effect snow band from Erie, to Genesee and Wyoming county through 1AM Thursday. Greatly reduced visibility below a quarter mile to whiteout conditions within the lake effect band.
Winter Storm WARNING until Thursday at various times, N. Erie (until 7AM), Genesee (6AM), S.Erie (7PM) Wyoming (7PM) Counties Now through Thursday. 1 to 2 feet of snow possible with strong winds and frigid temperatures.
Winter Storm WARNING for Niagara and Orleans Counties from Now through 1pm Wednesday. Expect an additional 3-6" mainly from Niagara Falls to Medina south.
Winter Weather ADVISORY for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties from 1pm Wednesday through 7pm Thursday. 3-6 inches of snow possible with strong winds and frigid temperatures.
Wind Chill WARNING for all of WNY beginning now through Thursday afternoon for wind chill values between -25 and -35 degrees. Frost bite can occur within 15 minutes with values this low.
Expect a slow travel all across WNY with multiple travel bans and advisories across Erie and Genesee county. Temperatures will be near zero this afternoon with wind chills 20 to 35 below zero.
Temperatures will remain in the single digits for highs until Friday afternoon. Winds will be gusty during this time-frame as well as wind chill values drop between -15 and potentially -40. The combination of intense lake snow, blowing and drifting snow with wind gusts near 40mph, whiteouts may be experienced from time-to-time within the lake bands. Use extreme caution while commuting around WNY from now through Friday morning. Between the driving conditions deteriorating within the lake snow and wind chill values so low, you don't want to be caught in the elements. Fill up the gas tank and make sure you have a winter emergency kit in the car.
THURSDAY:
HIGH: 5
LOW: -7
Lake snow continues with bitter cold temperatures and wind chills.
FRIDAY:
HIGH: 13
LOW: 3
Few snow showers and cold.
