The first big snow event of the season is marching upstate New York, as a flurry of warnings and projections for snowfall is simply unbelievable. The National Weather Service has issued lake effect snow alerts for several counties warning residents to be prepared to face days of relentless snow and hazardous travel conditions. From the shores of Lake Erie to the Tug Hill Plateau, Mother Nature said she would bring a winter wonder that will be of epic proportions.
Snowfall Expectations: Flurries to Full Blizzards
Residents in Buffalo and its northern suburbs are preparing for one to two feet of snowfall, which is expected to begin falling Saturday morning and last until Sunday evening. South Buffalo and surrounding areas will feel the full force of the storm, with travel conditions quickly deteriorating as visibility drops under heavy snow.
In Allegany County, northwest corner, six to ten inches of accumulation is expected by Monday evening. It will not be as intense as in other parts of the region but will still make roads slippery and hazardous, especially during the morning and evening commutes.
Genesee County expects six to twelve inches of snow, primarily in its southwestern county. Other places that might have up to four feet of snow include Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Travel in those places will be reduced to nearly nothing as the heaviest bands from Friday morning through Monday.
Perhaps the most eye-popping forecast for eastern Lake Ontario is saved for Watertown and the Tug Hill Plateau: three to five feet of snow. By Monday evening, it could turn the region into a winter wonderland – or a snow-bound nightmare, depending on how one takes it.
Navigating the Snowstorm: A Survival Guide
Preparation is the key. The NWS told residents that they should stay indoors and stay away from traveling unless the trip is unavoidable and stay alert for changing conditions quickly. Roads that seemed passable in one minute may become impossible to pass through the following minute with poor visibility and drifting snow.
Drivers who must drive into the snow should carry emergency items, such as blankets, bottled water, and a flashlight. Also, driving enough distance apart from other vehicles and ahead of the vehicle in front is crucial.
What sets Lake Effect Snow aside?
Unlike your average snowstorm, lake effect snow is a product of frigid air sweeping across relatively warm lake waters. This creates a conveyor belt of moisture that turns into heavy snow as it moves inland. The phenomenon is highly localized, often dumping feet of snow in one area while leaving nearby towns virtually untouched.
This is a perfectly classic textbook illustration of just how predictably unpredictable lake effect snow is. Some areas will experience only light flurries while others could receive feet of snow-such as in the southern suburbs of Buffalo or in the Tug Hill Plateau.
Storm to Remember
Whether you view it as a winter wonderland or a snowy apocalypse, there is no denying that this storm will leave its mark. Communities across upstate New York are no strangers to snow, but even seasoned residents are preparing for a challenging weekend.
Conclusion
So, stock up your supplies, keep warm, and if possible, enjoy the beauty of winter from your own house. Those going out there, tread carefully-winter fury is not something to underestimate.
