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Lake Effect Snow returns to WNY; Here's what to expect

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It's been a while since most of us had to battle a good snow event. Three weeks to be exact. Remember, Southtowns? Sure you do!  Especially if you ended up sitting on Route 5 for a good portion of your ride home from work. 

Nature thought we could use a break from the elements, switching seasons from winter to spring. Unfortunately, winter returns Thursday.

Now, we won't see an intense band like the one mentioned above with this event. However, the duration of the event in the Southern Tier will have ski resorts rejoicing.

And if you think you're escaping the snow Southtowns, I may have some bad news, as the band of Lake Effect Snow will target your backyard for a brief period on Saturday.

I'll explain below. But for now, here's what to expect over the next few days:

Thursday

- Temperatures start out in the upper 30s. Will be cold enough for wet flakes to mix in during the morning and afternoon hours. Eventually we'll start to see drops switch to flakes later in the afternoon and evening. 

- Most areas will see snow showers across the area by late morning. Wyoming County, Boston Hills through Chautauqua Ridge will see the most snow between Thursday and Friday morning. We'll call it modest amounts of snowfall amounts between 2-4". 

- Very minor to no accumulation for everyone else.

- Besides the snow, gusty winds will be present. And those gusty winds will make it feel colder than what it actually is outside. 

Friday

- Most of the flakes will still be flying in Ski Country. However, can't rule out a few flakes up north in the metro area, especially in the afternoon.

- Temperatures will be in the low 30s for Southern Tier, mid 30s for Buffalo and northward.

- Winds out of the west will allow band of snow to remain in ski country. The potential for whiteouts are low. By the end of the day, areas along the Boston Hills and Ridge Tops of Chautauqua County will have snow totals of up to around 6-8" of new snow. 

- Speaking of wind, there'll be a winter feel in the air, with wind chill values in the teens. 

Saturday

- Hey Southtowns! How are you feeling? Enjoy your break from the snow? No kidding, a lot of us did! 

- Band of snow will move into the Southtowns Saturday morning. It will sit over your backyard for a brief time. Amounts will be shovel-able for places such as Orchard Park, East Aurora, Hamburg down to Angola. 

The band of snow may make it up to the city of Buffalo for a short time before shifting south. 

Band of snow won't stay long however, as it will move back into ski country later on during the day.

Sunday

Lake Effect Snow continues south of Buffalo. 

- Besides the snow, daytime highs make it into the mid to upper 20s. 

- When all is set and done, some areas in ski country could be snowmobiling on top of 1-2 feet of snowfall overall, from Thursday into Sunday. Again, the snow isn't going to fall all at once!

We will continue to keep you updated not only online right here, but on our Facebook and Twitter page as well.