BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Lake Effect Snow Warning has been posted for Southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Monday.
A Winter Storm Watch has also been posted for Northern Erie County from Saturday morning through late Sunday night.
The National Weather Service alert says heavy lake effect snow is expected with multiple feet of snow possible through the weekend. Snowfall rates will average one to two inches an hour, but higher rates are possible.
Officials say you should consider delaying travel but if you must, drive with extreme caution. They say you should be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility and road conditions.
Chief Meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski says:
Lake Erie is 51 degrees which is six degrees above normal for this time of year. The cold air over Lake Erie will develop an intense lake effect snow band.
Heavy snow is possible in the band with winds gusting near 30 mph. The snow and strong winds will make travel difficult or impossible.
The band could shift northward at times. It is too early to determine the exact placement of the band at this time.
