Rochester, NY – A Winter Weather Advisory remains active through Friday morning for several Western New York communities as lake-effect snow off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario intensifies, creating dangerous travel conditions and rapidly changing visibility across the region.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Buffalo say the advisory includes Monroe, Wyoming and Allegany Counties, affecting residents in Rochester, Warsaw and Wellsville, where an additional 4 to 7 inches of snow may fall in the most persistent lake-effect bands.
Lake-Effect Snow Bands Expected to Strengthen
Snow showers expanded overnight and are expected to continue drifting across the region throughout Thursday. Wind gusts near 35 mph will make conditions worse, leading to blowing and drifting snow, especially in areas with open terrain.
The NWS advisory notes that commuters should prepare for difficult travel over the next 24 hours.
At one point in the forecast discussion, meteorologists warned that “visibility may be reduced to near zero in heavier bursts of lake-effect snow.”
Hazardous Travel Likely During Morning and Evening Commutes
Thursday’s morning and evening travel periods are a primary concern for forecasters. Bursts of snow may arrive suddenly, coating untreated or secondary roads and creating icy patches without warning. Some areas may experience short periods of whiteout conditions as snow bands shift.
Transportation officials are urging drivers to leave early, slow down, and avoid sudden braking. Even major highways may become slippery as wind-driven snow quickly covers plowed surfaces.
Rural Areas Facing Higher Risks
Open farmland and rural roadways in Wyoming and Allegany Counties are especially vulnerable to drifting snow due to persistent winds. In these locations, snow can accumulate unevenly, leaving deep drifts on one stretch of road while another remains nearly clear.
Residents in higher-elevation areas near Wellsville may also see more persistent snowfall as lake-effect bands stabilize through the afternoon.
Snow to Taper Overnight but Lingering Bands Possible
Forecasters expect snow intensity to gradually diminish late Thursday night. Even so, localized bands may remain into early Friday before conditions steadily improve. Temperatures will stay below freezing, meaning any untreated surfaces will remain slick into the morning commute.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor shifting snow bands throughout the day, providing updates on expected totals and travel conditions through its Buffalo office and official channels.
Community Reports Helping Track Snowfall Trends
Residents are encouraged to share snowfall reports and real-time conditions with local meteorologists. These updates help forecasters fine-tune advisories and better understand how storm bands are evolving across different parts of the region.
To submit reports, community members can use the NWS Buffalo social media pages or the official reporting form on the agency’s website.
Stay Prepared as Winter Weather Intensifies
With lake-effect season ramping up, officials advise keeping emergency kits in vehicles, monitoring weather alerts frequently, and allowing extra travel time whenever advisories are issued. Even small shifts in wind direction can dramatically alter snowfall intensity.
If you live in Rochester, Warsaw, Wellsville or nearby rural areas, share what you’re seeing on the ground.
Your comments and experiences help keep the community informed.
