Winter Storm Watch

Full Alert Message

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 9 inches in the most persistent lake snows south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County, with 2 to 4 inches across the rest of the area. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. The greatest accumulations will be just south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly.