Western New York Braces for Lake Effect Snow: 1 to 3 Inches Expected Through Early Thursday

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Buffalo, NY – A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains active across parts of western New York through 4 a.m. Thursday. Affected areas include Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and southern Erie counties.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected. The heaviest snowfall will occur in persistent lake-effect snow bands. Early this afternoon, light to moderate snow covered inland areas, but snowfall will move north into the evening hours.

Drivers should plan for hazardous travel conditions, particularly during the Wednesday evening commute. Roads are likely to become snow-covered and slippery, with visibility dropping quickly in localized snow bands. The NWS emphasized that weather conditions can vary significantly within short distances, creating sudden challenges for drivers.

Residents in affected areas are urged to prepare for rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Precautions include keeping extra supplies in vehicles, reducing speeds while driving, and allowing extra time for travel.

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air moves over warmer lake water, producing intense snowfall in narrow bands. These events often create challenging conditions for road crews and travelers.

This winter weather event marks the first major lake-effect snow warning of 2025 for western New York. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and adjust plans as necessary.

For more information on road conditions, visit 511NY.org.

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