Severe Lake Effect Snow Forecast: Up to 64 Inches Expected in Parts of Western NY

Lake Effect Snow Forecast for New York

Heavy lake effect snow will impact parts of Western New York and the Tug Hill plateau from Friday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow Accumulation Predictions:

• Dunkirk: 29 to 47 inches
• Jamestown: 9 to 17 inches
• Pulaski: 8 to 16 inches
• Lowville: 11 to 21 inches
• Watertown: 49 to 64 inches (over 5 feet)

Impact Areas:

• Central New York, including Syracuse, will see only 1 to 2 inches this weekend.
• Dangerous travel conditions are expected in areas south of Buffalo to the Pennsylvania line and around Watertown.

Forecast Timeline:

• Snow begins Friday and intensifies Saturday into Sunday.
• Visibility will decrease, leading to hazardous travel conditions on major roads like the NY Thruway and I-81.

Specific Road Concerns:

• NY Thruway from Ripley to Eden/Angola exits
• I-81 from Mannsville to Watertown
• I-86 from the PA state line to Salamanca

Lake Effect Snow Warnings:
Warnings are in effect for several New York counties, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie (southern portions), Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and Wyoming. Travelers should expect rapidly changing conditions.

Orchard Park Weather Update:

• Friday: 1 to 3 inches
• Saturday: 8 to 12 inches
• Saturday Night: 10 to 16 inches
• Total Weekend Forecast: 19 to 31 inches

Buffalo Bills Coach Sean McDermott expressed confidence in road crews to manage the snow, acknowledging the challenges storms can bring. The weather service has not yet provided estimates for Sunday and Sunday night snowfall.

Additional Notes:
Areas south of Syracuse, stretching into Cooperstown, could experience snow squalls this afternoon. For personalized forecasts, users can enter their ZIP code here.

Stay safe and keep updated on the latest weather conditions.