Alert archive / New York / Gale Warnings in 2008

Gale Warning 30, NWS Buffalo, NY

December 20, 2008

NWS Buffalo, NY issued this gale warning at Dec 20, 2008, 4:03 PM EST. It took effect at Dec 21, 2008, 4:13 AM EST. It was in force for 37 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 20, 2008, 4:03 PM EST (21:03 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 21, 2008, 4:13 AM EST
Expired
Dec 22, 2008, 5:36 PM EST
In force
37 hr
Issued by
NWS Buffalo, NY

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

918 
WHUS71 KBUF 202103
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
403 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE FORCE WINDS SUNDAY AFTERNOON INTO MONDAY...

.A DEVELOPING LOW OVER THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WILL LIFT INTO THE
LOWER GREAT LAKES DURING SUNDAY...THEN DEEPEN AS IT MOVES INTO
NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND BY MONDAY. BEHIND THIS LOW...A STRONG
SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY FLOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE LOWER LAKES
REGION SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN WILL CONTINUE THROUGH
SUNDAY NIGHT BEFORE SLOWLY DIMINISHING ON MONDAY AS THE LOW LIFTS
OUT INTO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES.

LEZ020-040-041-210515-
/O.UPG.KBUF.GL.A.0013.081221T1700Z-081222T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081221T1700Z-081222T1800Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
403 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A GALE
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY. THE GALE WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE SUNDAY AFTERNOON...THEN REMAIN AT GALE FORCE INTO
MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-210515-
/O.UPG.KBUF.GL.A.0013.081221T2200Z-081222T2200Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081222T0000Z-081222T1800Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
403 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A GALE
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY.
THE GALE WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN REMAIN AT GALE
FORCE THROUGH MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$
9 follow-up statements
158 
WHUS71 KBUF 210251
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
951 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

LEZ020-040-041-211100-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081221T1700Z-081222T1800Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
951 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE SUNDAY AFTERNOON...THEN REMAIN AT GALE FORCE INTO
MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-211100-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081222T0000Z-081222T1800Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
951 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN REMAIN AT GALE
FORCE THROUGH MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$
282 
WHUS71 KBUF 210913
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
413 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

LEZ040-041-211715-
/O.UPG.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081221T1700Z-081222T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.SR.W.0005.081221T0913Z-081222T0500Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
413 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A STORM
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT. THE GALE
WARNING IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

MODERATE TO FRESH SOUTHERLIES THIS MORNING WILL VEER TO THE
SOUTHWEST AND INCREASE TO 35 KNOT GALES BY MIDDAY THEN TO 50 KNOT
STORMS THIS AFTERNOON. WESTERLY STORM FORCE WINDS TONIGHT WILL
THEN SUBSIDE TO 40 KNOT GALES AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOW END GALES WILL
REMAIN IN PLACE THROUGH MUCH OF MONDAY BEFORE WINDS FURTHER
SUBSIDE LATE MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A STORM WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 48 TO 63 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. RECREATIONAL BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT...OR TAKE
SHELTER UNTIL WINDS AND WAVES SUBSIDE. COMMERCIAL VESSELS SHOULD
PREPARE FOR VERY STRONG WINDS AND DANGEROUS SEA CONDITIONS...AND
CONSIDER REMAINING IN PORT OR TAKING SHELTER IN PORT UNTIL WINDS
AND WAVES SUBSIDE.

&&

$$

LEZ020-211715-
/O.EXT.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081221T0913Z-081222T2100Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
413 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY...

THE GALE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE THIS AFTERNOON...THEN REMAIN AT GALE FORCE INTO
MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-211715-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081222T0000Z-081222T1800Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
413 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST MONDAY. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN REMAIN AT GALE
FORCE THROUGH MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

RSH
826 
WHUS71 KBUF 211434
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
934 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

LOZ042>045-062>065-212245-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081222T0000Z-081222T1800Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
934 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST MONDAY. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THEN REMAIN AT GALE
FORCE THROUGH MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LEZ020-212245-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2100Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
934 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY. 

WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY AND INCREASE SHARPLY TO
GALE FORCE THIS AFTERNOON...THEN REMAIN AT GALE FORCE INTO MONDAY
MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LEZ040-041-212245-
/O.CON.KBUF.SR.W.0005.000000T0000Z-081222T0500Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
934 AM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT...

A STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT. 

SOUTHWEST 35 KNOT GALES WILL INCREASE TO 50 KNOT STORMS THIS
AFTERNOON. WESTERLY STORM FORCE WINDS TONIGHT WILL THEN SUBSIDE TO
40 KNOT GALES AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOW END GALES WILL REMAIN IN PLACE
THROUGH MUCH OF MONDAY BEFORE WINDS FURTHER SUBSIDE LATE MONDAY
AND MONDAY NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A STORM WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 48 TO 63 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. RECREATIONAL BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT...OR TAKE
SHELTER UNTIL WINDS AND WAVES SUBSIDE. COMMERCIAL VESSELS SHOULD
PREPARE FOR VERY STRONG WINDS AND DANGEROUS SEA CONDITIONS...AND
CONSIDER REMAINING IN PORT OR TAKING SHELTER IN PORT UNTIL WINDS
AND WAVES SUBSIDE.

&&

$$

ZAFF
937 
WHUS71 KBUF 212055
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
355 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

LOZ042>045-062>065-220500-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.081222T0000Z-081222T1800Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
355 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM
EST MONDAY. 

GALE FORCE WINDS WILL CONTINUE OVERNIGHT AND  REMAIN AT GALE
FORCE THROUGH MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LEZ020-220500-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2100Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
355 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY. 

GALE FORCE WINDS WILL CONTINUE INTO MONDAY MORNING BEFORE
DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LEZ040-041-220500-
/O.CON.KBUF.SR.W.0005.000000T0000Z-081222T0500Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
355 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT...

A STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT. 

50 KNOT STORMS WILL CONTINUE THIS EVENING...THEN SUBSIDE TO 40
KNOT GALES AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOW END GALES WILL REMAIN IN PLACE
THROUGH MUCH OF MONDAY BEFORE WINDS FURTHER SUBSIDE LATE MONDAY
AND MONDAY NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A STORM WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 48 TO 63 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. RECREATIONAL BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT...OR TAKE
SHELTER UNTIL WINDS AND WAVES SUBSIDE. COMMERCIAL VESSELS SHOULD
PREPARE FOR VERY STRONG WINDS AND DANGEROUS SEA CONDITIONS...AND
CONSIDER REMAINING IN PORT OR TAKING SHELTER IN PORT UNTIL WINDS
AND WAVES SUBSIDE.

&&

$$

ZAFF
508 
WHUS71 KBUF 220222
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
922 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

LEZ040-041-220900-
/O.EXT.KBUF.SR.W.0005.000000T0000Z-081222T0900Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
922 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EST MONDAY...

THE STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EST MONDAY. 

50 KNOT STORMS WILL CONTINUE INTO THE OVERNIGHT HOURS...THEN SUBSIDE
TO 40 KNOT GALES. LOW END GALES WILL REMAIN IN PLACE THROUGH MUCH
OF MONDAY BEFORE WINDS FURTHER SUBSIDE LATE MONDAY AND MONDAY
NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A STORM WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 48 TO 63 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. RECREATIONAL BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT...OR TAKE
SHELTER UNTIL WINDS AND WAVES SUBSIDE. COMMERCIAL VESSELS SHOULD
PREPARE FOR VERY STRONG WINDS AND DANGEROUS SEA CONDITIONS...AND
CONSIDER REMAINING IN PORT OR TAKING SHELTER IN PORT UNTIL WINDS
AND WAVES SUBSIDE.

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-221030-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T1800Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
922 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST MONDAY. 

GALE FORCE WINDS WILL CONTINUE OVERNIGHT AND REMAIN AT GALE FORCE
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING BEFORE DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LEZ020-221030-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2100Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
922 PM EST SUN DEC 21 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST MONDAY. 

GALE FORCE WINDS WILL CONTINUE INTO MONDAY MORNING BEFORE
DIMINISHING IN THE AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. IT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED THAT MARINERS WITHOUT THE PROPER EXPERIENCE SEEK SAFE
HARBOR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF GALE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$
458 
WHUS71 KBUF 220915
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
415 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

LEZ040-041-221715-
/O.EXP.KBUF.SR.W.0005.000000T0000Z-081222T0900Z/
/O.EXA.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2100Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
415 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...
...STORM WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A GALE
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON. THE
STORM WARNING IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT IN THE WAKE OF A VERY DEEP STORM SYSTEM
OVER THE CANADIAN MARITIMES WILL RESULT IN WESTERLY GALES TO 35
KNOTS FOR MUCH OF TODAY. AS THE PRESSURE GRADIENT RELAXES LATE
THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...WINDS WILL SUBSIDE BELOW GALE FORCE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE OCCURRING.
OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES EXPERIENCE AND
PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. 

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-221715-
/O.EXT.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2300Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
415 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...

THE GALE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON. 

A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT IN THE WAKE OF A VERY DEEP STORM SYSTEM
OVER THE CANADIAN MARITIMES WILL RESULT IN WESTERLY GALES TO 40
KNOTS FOR MUCH OF TODAY. AS THE PRESSURE GRADIENT RELAXES LATE
THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY TONIGHT...WINDS WILL SUBSIDE BELOW GALE
FORCE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS. 

&&

$$

LEZ020-221500-
/O.EXT.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T1500Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
415 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING...

THE GALE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING. 

A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT IN THE WAKE OF A VERY DEEP STORM SYSTEM
OVER THE CANADIAN MARITIMES WILL RESULT IN WESTERLY GALES TO 35
KNOTS THIS MORNING. AS THE PRESSURE GRADIENT RELAXES DURING THE
COURSE OF TODAY...WINDS WILL SUBSIDE BELOW GALE FORCE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS.

&&

$$

RSH
379 
WHUS71 KBUF 221508
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
1008 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

LEZ020-221615-
/O.EXP.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T1500Z/
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
1008 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

THE GALE WARNING IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

WINDS HAVE SUBSIDED BELOW GALE FORCE.

$$

LEZ040-041-222100-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2100Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
1008 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...

A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT IN THE WAKE OF A VERY DEEP STORM SYSTEM
OVER THE CANADIAN MARITIMES WILL RESULT IN WESTERLY WINDS TO 30
KNOTS FOR MUCH OF TODAY WITH GUSTS TO 35 KNOTS. AS THE PRESSURE
GRADIENT RELAXES LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...GUSTS WILL
SUBSIDE BELOW GALE FORCE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE OCCURRING.
OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES EXPERIENCE AND
PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS.

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-222300-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2300Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
1008 AM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...

A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT IN THE WAKE OF A VERY DEEP STORM SYSTEM
OVER THE CANADIAN MARITIMES WILL RESULT IN WESTERLY WINDS TO 30
KNOTS WITH GUSTS OVER 35 KNOTS FOR MUCH OF TODAY. AS THE PRESSURE
GRADIENT RELAXES LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY TONIGHT...GUSTS
WILL SUBSIDE BELOW GALE FORCE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS.

&&

$$

SAGE
396 
WHUS71 KBUF 222108
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
408 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

LEZ040-041-230515-
/O.EXP.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2100Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.SC.Y.0102.081222T2108Z-081224T1500Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
408 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST WEDNESDAY...
...GALE WARNING HAS EXPIRED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A SMALL CRAFT
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST WEDNESDAY. THE GALE
WARNING IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

GALE WARNINGS ARE BEING REPLACED BY SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES AS
WAVES WILL REMAIN ABOVE CRITERIA THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY MEANS THAT WIND SPEEDS OF 18 TO 33 KNOTS
ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HAZARDOUS WAVE CONDITIONS TO SMALL CRAFT.
INEXPERIENCED MARINERS... ESPECIALLY THOSE OPERATING SMALLER
VESSELS... SHOULD AVOID NAVIGATING IN THESE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LOZ042>045-062>065-222300-
/O.CON.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2300Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
408 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON.

GUSTS TO GALE FORCE WILL CONTINUE INTO EARLY EVENING. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A GALE WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS ARE IMMINENT OR
OCCURRING. OPERATING A VESSEL IN GALE CONDITIONS REQUIRES
EXPERIENCE AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED VESSELS.

&&

$$

SAGE
873 
WHUS71 KBUF 222236
MWWBUF

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
536 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

LOZ042>045-230645-
/O.CAN.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2300Z/
/O.EXB.KBUF.SC.Y.0102.000000T0000Z-081223T1700Z/
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN
BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT
LAWRENCE RIVER-
536 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM EST TUESDAY...
...GALE WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A SMALL CRAFT
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM EST TUESDAY. THE GALE
WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED. 

GALE WARNINGS ARE BEING REPLACED BY SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES AS
WAVES WILL REMAIN ABOVE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY CRITERIA THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY MEANS THAT WIND SPEEDS OF 18 TO 33 KNOTS
ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HAZARDOUS WAVE CONDITIONS TO SMALL CRAFT.
INEXPERIENCED MARINERS... ESPECIALLY THOSE OPERATING SMALLER
VESSELS... SHOULD AVOID NAVIGATING IN THESE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

LOZ062>065-222345-
/O.CAN.KBUF.GL.W.0030.000000T0000Z-081222T2300Z/
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
536 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...GALE WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS CANCELLED THE GALE
WARNING. 

WINDS HAVE SUBSIDED.

$$

LEZ040-041-230645-
/O.EXT.KBUF.SC.Y.0102.000000T0000Z-081223T1300Z/
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
536 PM EST MON DEC 22 2008

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EST TUESDAY...

THE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EST TUESDAY.

WAVES WILL REMAIN ABOVE SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY CRITERIA THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY MEANS THAT WIND SPEEDS OF 18 TO 33 KNOTS
ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HAZARDOUS WAVE CONDITIONS TO SMALL CRAFT.
INEXPERIENCED MARINERS... ESPECIALLY THOSE OPERATING SMALLER
VESSELS... SHOULD AVOID NAVIGATING IN THESE CONDITIONS.

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this gale warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Buffalo, NY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this gale warning went out at Dec 20, 3:26 PM EST, 37 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 20, 3:26 PM EST, 37 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
326 PM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

.SYNOPSIS...
ANOTHER WINTER STORM SYSTEM IS ON TAP FOR WESTERN AND CENTRAL NEW
YORK LATE TONIGHT AND SUNDAY.  SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WITH THE NEXT SYSTEM
WILL NOT BE IMPRESSIVE...BUT STRONG SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS BY THE
AFTERNOON WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS ACROSS WESTERN
NEW YORK.  TO COMPLICATE MATTERS...THIS SYSTEM WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A
SIGNIFICANT LAKE EFFECT EVENT LASTING THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT FOR
PORTIONS OF THE REGION.  THE NEXT SYSTEM WILL BRING A MIX OF RAIN
AND SNOW ON WEDNESDAY.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
NOT A LOT OF TIME TO TALK HERE WITH SO MUCH GOING ON BUT HERE IS THE
GIST OF IT.

A DOUBLE BARRELED LOW WILL APPROACH US FROM THE WEST OVERNIGHT WITH
ONE CENTER PROGGED TO MOVE TO LAKE ERIE BY SUNDAY MORNING AND
ANOTHER PROGGED TO MOVE TO THE MID ATLANTIC COAST AT THE SAME TIME.
THIS WILL SPREAD SYNOPTIC SNOW ACROSS THE REGION STARTING AROUND 3
OR 4 AM ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST PART OF THE STATE AND AROUND 7 TO 8 AM
FOR THE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO COUNTIES. FOR THE MOST PART WE CAN
EXPECT THE SYNOPTIC SNOWFALL TO AVERAGE 3 TO 5 INCHES ACROSS MUCH OF
THE AREA DURING THE DAY BUT MORE THAN 8 INCHES FOR THE EASTERN LAKE
ONTARIO COUNTIES INCLUDING OSWEGO...JEFFERSON AND LEWIS. SO WE WILL
BE DEALING WITH WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES AND WINTER STORM
WARNINGS.

NOW FOR THE COMPLICATED MESS THAT WILL FOLLOW THE WESTERN CENTER.
STRONG WINDS WILL DEVELOP EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH SUSTAINED
WINDS IN THE 25 TO 35 MPH RANGE AND FREQUENT GUSTS OVER 45 MPH
PROBABLY RIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT. THESE WINDS WILL CAUSE
CONSIDERABLY BLOWING AND DRIFTING AND VERY POOR VISIBILITIES AND
MAYBE SOME MINOR DAMAGE. THE WORST CONDITIONS WILL BE FOUND FROM THE
BUFFALO AND BATAVIA AREAS SOUTHWARD WHERE BANDS OF LAKE EFFECT SNOW
WILL COMBINE WITH THE STRONG WINDS TO CREATE LOCALIZED BLIZZARD
CONDITIONS SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND SUNDAY NIGHT. THE HEAVIEST LAKE
EFFECT WILL DRIFT SOUTHWARD DURING SUNDAY NIGHT INTO THE SOUTHERN
TIER AND CONTINUE INTO MONDAY. WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO CAUSE PROBLEMS
IN THE NORTHERN AREAS EVEN WHEN THE HEAVIEST LAKE EFFECT DRIFTS
SOUTH.

WE WILL START THE WHOLE AREA OFF WITH WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES FOR
SNOWFALL BEGINNING AROUND 4 AM EXCEPT FOR THE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO
COUNTIES WHERE WINTER STORM WARNINGS WILL BE IN EFFECT STARTING AT 7
AM. THE ADVISORIES WILL LEAD INTO LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNINGS FOR
NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN ERIE COUNTIES...GENESEE...WYOMING...LIVINGSTON
AND THE NORTHERN SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN TIER COUNTIES BEGINNING
AROUND 1 PM. WE WILL KEEP THEM UP UNTIL MONDAY MORNING WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF THE SOUTHERN TIER WHERE THEY WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL 1
PM.

IMPACT WISE WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT NORTH SOUTH ROAD CLOSURES MAINLY
ACROSS NORTH SOUTH ROUTES IN THE LAKE EFFECT AREAS. THE WINDS MAY BE
A LITTLE TO STRONG FOR REAL SIGNIFICANT LAKE EFFECT ACCUMULATIONS
BUT THEY WILL BE ENOUGH COMBINED WITH THE WIND SPEEDS TO PRODUCE A
HUGE IMPACT.

&&

.SHORT TERM /MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
LAKE EFFECT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BE ONGOING AND AND IMPRESSIVE ON
MONDAY ACROSS THE WESTERN SOUTHERN TIER AND SOUTHEAST OF LAKE
ONTARIO.  WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES WILL PROBABLY BE EXTENDED THROUGH
AT LEAST MONDAY NIGHT.  FORECAST SOUNDINGS INDICATE THE EQUILIBRIUM
LEVEL WILL BE SLOWLY LOWERING DURING THE DAY ON MONDAY...BUT STILL
BE HIGH ENOUGH...NEAR 8000 FEET...WITH PLENTY OF LOW LEVEL MOISTURE
AND LIFT TO KEEP THE LAKE EFFECT MACHINE TURNED ON.

ON MONDAY NIGHT THE LAKE EFFECT EVENT OFF OF BOTH LAKES SHOULD
FINALLY DIMINISH TOWARD MORNING AS A RIDGE BUILDS INTO THE OH
VALLEY.  THIS WILL FORCE THE BANDS TO SLOWLY LIFT TO THE NORTH
AGAIN...BUT THEY WILL BE IN THE END STAGES WITH MINIMAL IMPACT BY
THIS TIME.

TUESDAY SHOULD BE A QUIET DAY WITH A RIDGE MOVING ACROSS THE STATE.
WILL KEEP THE REGION CLOUDY HOWEVER AS THE MODELS SHOW SUBSTANTIAL
MOISTURE ALOFT QUICKLY SPREADING ACROSS THE STATE AHEAD OF THE NEXT
SYSTEM.

&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
THE NEXT SYSTEM CAN CURRENTLY BE FOUND OVER THE GULF OF ALASKA AND
HEADING STRAIGHT FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.  EXPECT THIS IT TO DROP
ACROSS THE SIERRAS ON TUESDAY AND INTO THE FOUR CORNERS REGION BY
TUESDAY EVENING.  IT WILL THEN EJECT ACROSS THE PLAINS WITH A
SURFACE TROUGH MOVING ACROSS THE MS VALLEY AND SPREADING A MIXED
RAIN AND SNOW EVENT ACROSS NY TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. THERE IS
OVERALL GOOD CONFIDENCE ON THE TIMING OF THE EVENT...BUT
PRECIPITATION TYPE IS STILL QUESTIONABLE DUE TO MODEL VARIATIONS.

AS FAR AS CHRISTMAS GOES...IT LOOKS LIKE WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PULL
OFF A DRY DAY...ALTHOUGH WILL KEEP A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN PRIMARILY
FOR THE MORNING HOURS.

BIG CHANGES ARE POSSIBLY IN STORE AFTER CHRISTMAS THOUGH WITH A BIG
WARM UP AND POSSIBLE SNOW MELT.  850MB TEMPS ARE ABOVE 5C FOR THE
GEFS MEAN...AND NEAR 10C FOR THE ECMWF AND OPERATIONAL GFS RUNS.
THE LOCATION OF AN UPSTREAM LOW CAN NOT BE PINNED DOWN THIS FAR
OUT...BUT CONFIDENCE IS FAIRLY HIGH THAT IT WILL WELL WEST OF NY.
CURRENT MODEL RUNS SHOW A FAIR AMOUNT OF PRECIPITATION FOR THE
WEEKEND.  THE CURRENT 12Z GEFS EVEN HAS THE PRECIPITABLE WATER NEAR
3 STANDARD DEVIATIONS ABOVE NORMAL...ALWAYS AN EYE CATCHER.

&&

.AVIATION /21Z SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
IFR CIGS ACROSS MUCH OF WESTERN NEW YORK THROUGH MIDDAY.

MOST OF THE REGION WILL HAVE MVFR CIGS THE REST OF THE AFTERNOON
WITH SOME LINGERING FLURRIES AND OCCASIONAL IFR VSBYS SOUTH OF LAKE
ONTARIO. THERE WILL THEN BE A PERIOD OF VFR CIGS FOR MOST AREAS
TONIGHT UNTIL ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM APPROACHES FROM THE WEST. WE
EXPECT A RAPID DROP TO IFR CONDITIONS BEGINNING AROUND 08Z AT KJHW
AND WORKING NORTHEAST TO KART BY 13Z.

OUTLOOK...
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND SUNDAY NIGHT...IFR IN WIDESPREAD SNOW...BLOWING
SNOW. STRONG WINDS.
MONDAY...MVFR WITH LOCAL IFR IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW EAST SHIFTING
SOUTHEAST OF THE LAKES.
TUESDAY...MAINLY VFR.
WEDNESDAY...MVFR IN RAIN/SNOW.
THURSDAY...VFR.

&&

.MARINE...
SUNDAY WILL FEATURE A COMPLEX WINTER STORM SYSTEM LIFTING ACROSS THE
EASTERN GREAT LAKES REGION...WITH A SECONDARY COASTAL LOW DEVELOPING
ALONG THE EAST COAST DURING SUNDAY AND SUNDAY EVENING. AS THE
PRESSURE GRADIENT BEHIND THIS EVOLVING SYSTEM TIGHTENS AND COLD AIR
MOVES IN BEHIND IT...WINDS WILL QUICKLY INCREASE TO GALE
FORCE...WITH GUSTS TO STORM FORCE BECOMING POSSIBLE BY SUNDAY
EVENING. GALE FORCE WINDS WILL THEN LIKELY PERSIST THROUGH SUNDAY
NIGHT AND MONDAY MORNING...BEFORE DIMINISHING MONDAY AFTERNOON AS
THE PRESSURE GRADIENT BEGINS TO RELAX.

GALE WARNING WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR THIS STORM FOR THE TIME BEING.

&&

.BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NY...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 4 AM TO 1 PM EST SUNDAY FOR
     NYZ010>013-019>021-085.
     LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 7 AM EST MONDAY
     FOR NYZ010>013-085.
     WINTER STORM WARNING FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY FOR
     NYZ006>008.
     WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 4 AM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY
     FOR NYZ001>005-014.
     LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY
     FOR NYZ019>021.
MARINE...GALE WARNING FROM 12 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY FOR LEZ020-
         040-041.
         GALE WARNING FROM 7 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY FOR
         LOZ042>045-062>065.

&&

SYNOPSIS...ZAFF
NEAR TERM...SAGE
SHORT TERM...ZAFF
LONG TERM...ZAFF
AVIATION...SAGE
MARINE...SAGE/ZAFF
Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 20, 5:02 AM EST, 11 hours 1 minute before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
502 AM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-211000-
NIAGARA-ORLEANS-MONROE-WAYNE-NORTHERN CAYUGA-OSWEGO-JEFFERSON-LEWIS-
NORTHERN ERIE-GENESEE-WYOMING-LIVINGSTON-ONTARIO-CHAUTAUQUA-
CATTARAUGUS-ALLEGANY-SOUTHERN ERIE-
502 AM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE
SUNDAY NIGHT...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR WESTERN AND NORTH CENTRAL NEW
YORK.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   WINTER STORM WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

THIS PRODUCT...ALONG WITH OTHER WATCHES...WARNINGS...ADVISORIES...
AND STATEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN
BUFFALO CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BUF

LEZ020-040-041-211000-
UPPER NIAGARA RIVER AND BUFFALO HARBOR-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM RIPLEY TO DUNKIRK-
LAKE ERIE NEARSHORE WATERS FROM DUNKIRK TO BUFFALO-
502 AM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY
AFTERNOON...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF LAKE ERIE.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   GALE WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

THIS PRODUCT...ALONG WITH OTHER WATCHES...WARNINGS...ADVISORIES...
AND STATEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN
BUFFALO CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BUF

LOZ042>045-062>065-211000-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE
RIVER-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM MEXICO BAY TO THE SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER-
502 AM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY
AFTERNOON...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE NEW YORK WATERS OF LAKE
ONTARIO.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

PLEASE LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FOLLOWING HAZARDS.

   GALE WATCH.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

THIS PRODUCT...ALONG WITH OTHER WATCHES...WARNINGS...ADVISORIES...
AND STATEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN
BUFFALO CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BUF

SLZ022-024-211000-
SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER FROM CAPE VINCENT TO OGDENSBURG-
SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER FROM OGDENSBURG TO SAINT REGIS-
502 AM EST SAT DEC 20 2008

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE NEW YORK WATERS OF THE
SAINT LAWRENCE RIVER.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

THIS PRODUCT...ALONG WITH OTHER WATCHES...WARNINGS...ADVISORIES...
AND STATEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE IN
BUFFALO CAN BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BUF

The office that day

Everything else NWS Buffalo, NY issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 19, 9:12 PM ESTSmall Craft AdvisoryBUF13 hr
Dec 20, 4:02 AM ESTWinter Storm WatchBUFAllegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and 10 more13 hr
Dec 20, 4:36 AM ESTGale WatchBUF11 hr
Dec 20, 4:22 PM ESTLake Effect Snow WarningBUFAllegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and 8 more65 hr
Dec 20, 4:22 PM ESTWinter Storm WarningBUFJefferson, Lewis, Oswego24 hr
Dec 20, 4:22 PM ESTWinter Weather AdvisoryBUFAllegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and 9 more46 hr

Nearby

Gale Warnings in New York, 2008Every gale warning in 2008

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.