Lake Effect Snowstorm to Hit New York
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings as a powerful lake effect snowstorm is set to blanket parts of New York this weekend. The Buffalo office upgraded its earlier winter storm watch to a lake effect snow warning for areas including Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, southern Erie counties, and the eastern Lake Ontario region."Heavy lake effect snow is expected, with multiple feet likely in the most persistent bands," the warning stated. Meteorologists predict snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times, especially near the Tug Hill Plateau. Such conditions could quickly overwhelm snowplows and make roads impassable.Hazardous Driving Conditions Expected
David Thomas, an NWS meteorologist, explained that when snowfall reaches this intensity, snowplows may struggle to maintain clear roads, creating extremely hazardous driving conditions. Travelers could face temporary road closures, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing weather."Travel will be very difficult and at times nearly impossible," the warning said. "Rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions should be expected, with heavy snow in some areas and dry conditions just a few miles away."Thanksgiving Travelers Urged to Adjust Plans
To ensure safety, meteorologists recommend delaying travel until after the storm passes or leaving before it arrives."If you must travel, exercise extreme caution," the NWS advised. "Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, allow extra travel time, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Be especially cautious on hills or during turns."The lake effect snow warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Monday. The hazardous weather coincides with Thanksgiving return travel, potentially affecting millions of Americans traveling nationwide, as well as Black Friday shoppers in the region.Snowfall Across New York
Beyond western New York, the Albany office has issued a separate winter storm watch for heavy snow, with accumulations of 7 inches or more. Snowfall began Wednesday night and will continue through Thursday evening, likely impacting roads for last-minute holiday travelers."Expect slick and hazardous conditions on roads, particularly bridges and overpasses," the watch warned.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings as a powerful lake effect snowstorm is set to blanket parts of New York this weekend. The Buffalo office upgraded its earlier winter storm watch to a lake effect snow warning for areas including Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, southern Erie counties, and the eastern Lake Ontario region."Heavy lake effect snow is expected, with multiple feet likely in the most persistent bands," the warning stated. Meteorologists predict snowfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times, especially near the Tug Hill Plateau. Such conditions could quickly overwhelm snowplows and make roads impassable.Hazardous Driving Conditions Expected
David Thomas, an NWS meteorologist, explained that when snowfall reaches this intensity, snowplows may struggle to maintain clear roads, creating extremely hazardous driving conditions. Travelers could face temporary road closures, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing weather."Travel will be very difficult and at times nearly impossible," the warning said. "Rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions should be expected, with heavy snow in some areas and dry conditions just a few miles away."Thanksgiving Travelers Urged to Adjust Plans
To ensure safety, meteorologists recommend delaying travel until after the storm passes or leaving before it arrives."If you must travel, exercise extreme caution," the NWS advised. "Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, allow extra travel time, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Be especially cautious on hills or during turns."The lake effect snow warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Monday. The hazardous weather coincides with Thanksgiving return travel, potentially affecting millions of Americans traveling nationwide, as well as Black Friday shoppers in the region.Snowfall Across New York
Beyond western New York, the Albany office has issued a separate winter storm watch for heavy snow, with accumulations of 7 inches or more. Snowfall began Wednesday night and will continue through Thursday evening, likely impacting roads for last-minute holiday travelers."Expect slick and hazardous conditions on roads, particularly bridges and overpasses," the watch warned.
