Alert archive / New York / Winter Storm Watches in 2019

Winter Storm Watch 3, NWS Buffalo, NY

January 16, 201916 counties in New York

NWS Buffalo, NY issued this winter storm watch at Jan 16, 2019, 2:13 PM EST for 16 counties in New York. It took effect at Jan 19, 2019, 1:00 PM EST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 16, 2019, 2:13 PM EST (19:13 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 19, 2019, 1:00 PM EST
Expired
Jan 18, 2019, 3:23 AM EST
In force
Issued by
NWS Buffalo, NY

Counties Allegany County, NY, Cattaraugus County, NY, Cayuga County, NY, Chautauqua County, NY, Erie County, NY, Genesee County, NY, Jefferson County, NY, Lewis County, NY, Livingston County, NY, Monroe County, NY, Niagara County, NY, Ontario County, NY, Orleans County, NY, Oswego County, NY, Wayne County, NY, Wyoming County, NY

The radar

The Buffalo radar (KBUF), 90 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:14 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Buffalo Intl Airport, NY (KBUF), launched 12:00Z, 7.2 hours before the alert went out and 87 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Buffalo Intl Airport, NY at 12:00Z on 2019-01-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Buffalo Intl Airport, NY at 12:00Z on 2019-01-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 115 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
686 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
49 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
115 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
266 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

182 
WWUS41 KBUF 161913
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
213 PM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-170715-
/O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-
Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark,
Fair Haven, Oswego, Watertown, Lowville, Buffalo, Batavia, 
Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
213 PM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Light snow will begin as early as
  Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy Saturday night and
  continue into Sunday. Snow will then transition to lake effect  
  Sunday night and continue through Monday. At this time, greater 
  than 7 inches of snow is possible. Gusty winds and arctic air 
  will also produce blowing and drifting snow and wind chills well
  below zero.

* WHERE...All of western and north central New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
  Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel
may become difficult, so plan accordingly.

&&

$$
6 follow-up statements
498 
WWUS41 KBUF 170227
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
927 PM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-171030-
/O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-
Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark,
Fair Haven, Oswego, Watertown, Lowville, Buffalo, Batavia, 
Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
927 PM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Light snow will begin as early as
  Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy late Saturday afternoon
  and Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning. Snow will
  then transition to lake effect Sunday afternoon and continue
  through Monday. At this time, greater than 7 inches of snow is
  possible. Gusty winds and arctic air will also produce
  significant blowing and drifting snow and wind chills well 
  below zero.

* WHERE...All of western and north central New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road
  conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce 
  visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel
may become difficult, so plan accordingly.

&&

$$

Hitchcock
752 
WWUS41 KBUF 170852
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
352 AM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-171700-
/O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-
Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark,
Fair Haven, Oswego, Watertown, Lowville, Buffalo, Batavia, 
Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
352 AM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Light snow will begin as early as 
  Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy late Saturday 
  afternoon and Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning. 
  Snow will then transition to lake effect Sunday afternoon and 
  continue through Monday. At this time, greater than 7 inches 
  of snow is possible. Gusty winds and arctic air will also 
  produce significant blowing and drifting snow and wind chills 
  well below zero.

* WHERE...All of western and north central New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road 
  conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce 
  visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel
may become difficult, so plan accordingly.

&&

$$

Apffel
043 
WWUS41 KBUF 171655
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1155 AM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-180100-
/O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-
Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark,
Fair Haven, Oswego, Watertown, Lowville, Buffalo, Batavia, 
Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
1155 AM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Light snow will begin as early as
  Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy late Saturday afternoon
  and Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning. Snow will
  then transition to lake effect Sunday afternoon and continue
  through Monday. At this time, greater than 9 inches of snow is 
  possible. Gusty winds and arctic air will also produce 
  significant blowing and drifting snow and wind chills well below
  zero.

* WHERE...All of western and north central New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road 
  conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce 
  visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel
may become difficult, so plan accordingly.

&&

$$
190 
WWUS41 KBUF 172040
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
340 PM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-180445-
/O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-
Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark,
Fair Haven, Oswego, Watertown, Lowville, Buffalo, Batavia, 
Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
340 PM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Light snow will begin as early as
  Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy later Saturday
  afternoon and Saturday night and continue through Sunday
  morning. The widespread snow will then transition to light lake
  effect snow showers Sunday afternoon through Monday. Total snow
  accumulations of over a foot are possible. Winds will gust as
  high as 35 mph, producing extensive blowing and drifting snow.
  Wind chills will likely drop to colder than 20 below zero Sunday
  night and Monday morning.

* WHERE...All of western and north central New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. The
  majority of the snow accumulation will occur Saturday afternoon
  through Sunday morning. Light lake effect snow showers along
  with extensive blowing and drifting snow will then last Sunday
  afternoon through Monday. The coldest wind chills will occur
  Sunday night and Monday morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be very difficult with deep
  snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. The dangerously
  cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as 
  little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel
may become difficult, so plan accordingly.

&&

$$

Hitchcock
039 
WWUS41 KBUF 180221
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
921 PM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-181030-
/O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-
Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark,
Fair Haven, Oswego, Watertown, Lowville, Buffalo, Batavia, 
Warsaw, Geneseo, Canandaigua, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
921 PM EST Thu Jan 17 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow likely. Light snow will begin as early as 
  Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy later Saturday 
  afternoon and Saturday night and continue through Sunday 
  morning. The widespread snow will then transition to light 
  lake effect snow showers Sunday afternoon through Monday. 
  Total snow accumulations of over a foot are possible. Winds 
  will gust as high as 35 mph, producing extensive blowing and 
  drifting snow. Wind chills will likely drop to colder than 20 
  below zero Sunday night and Monday morning.

* WHERE...All of western and north central New York.

* WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. The 
  majority of the snow accumulation will occur Saturday 
  afternoon through Sunday morning. Light lake effect snow 
  showers along with extensive blowing and drifting snow will 
  then last Sunday afternoon through Monday. The coldest wind 
  chills will occur Sunday night and Monday morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be very difficult with deep 
  snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. The dangerously 
  cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as 
  little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel
may become difficult, so plan accordingly.

&&

$$

Hitchcock
668 
WWUS41 KBUF 180823
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
323 AM EST Fri Jan 18 2019

NYZ006-008-181700-
/O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0002.190119T2100Z-190120T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WC.A.0001.190120T2300Z-190121T1800Z/
Oswego-Lewis-
Including the cities of Oswego and Lowville
323 AM EST Fri Jan 18 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 6 PM EST
SUNDAY...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Dangerously cold wind chills
  possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches expected
  Saturday night and Sunday. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero 
  possible Sunday night and Monday.

* WHERE...Oswego and Lewis counties.

* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 4 PM Saturday to 6 
  PM EST Sunday. For the Wind Chill Watch, from Sunday evening 
  through Monday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be very difficult. The 
  dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed 
  skin in as little as 15 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel
conditions.

Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you
must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can
occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of
25 below zero or colder.

&&

$$

NYZ012-019>021-085-181700-
/O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0002.190119T1500Z-190120T2300Z/
Wyoming-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, 
Orchard Park, and Springville
323 AM EST Fri Jan 18 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 6 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12
  inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 30 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Erie and Wyoming counties and the western 
  Southern Tier.

* WHEN...From 10 AM Saturday to 6 PM EST Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult to
  impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could 
  cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel
conditions.

Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

&&

$$

NYZ001-010-181700-
/O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0002.190119T1500Z-190120T2300Z/
Niagara-Northern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo
323 AM EST Fri Jan 18 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 6 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10
  inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Niagara and Northern Erie counties.

* WHEN...From 10 AM Saturday to 6 PM EST Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be very difficult. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The cold 
  wind chills as low as 15 below zero could cause frostbite on 
  exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel
conditions.

Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

&&

$$

NYZ002>005-011-013-014-181700-
/O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0002.190119T1800Z-190120T2300Z/
Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Genesee-Livingston-Ontario-
Including the cities of Medina, Rochester, Newark, Fair Haven, 
Batavia, Geneseo, and Canandaigua
323 AM EST Fri Jan 18 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 6 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 
  14 inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Genesee, 
  Livingston, and Ontario counties.

* WHEN...From 1 PM Saturday to 6 PM EST Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be very difficult to
  impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
  visibility. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could 
  cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel
conditions.

Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

&&

$$

NYZ007-181700-
/O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0003.190119T1800Z-190121T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.190119T2100Z-190120T2300Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.WC.A.0001.190120T2300Z-190121T1800Z/
Jefferson-
Including the city of Watertown
323 AM EST Fri Jan 18 2019

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 6 PM
EST SUNDAY...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Dangerously cold wind chills possible.
  Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches expected Saturday
  night and Sunday. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero possible
  Sunday night and Monday.

* WHERE...Jefferson county.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 4 PM Saturday to 
  6 PM EST Sunday. For the Wind Chill Watch, from Sunday evening 
  through Monday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult. The cold
  wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little
  as 15 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited
visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.

Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

This is a potentially dangerous situation to be outdoors. If you
must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite can
occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of
25 below zero or colder.

&&

$$

Apffel

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter storm watch 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 winter storm watch went out at Jan 16, 10:58 AM EST, 3 hours 15 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 16, 10:58 AM EST, 3 hours 15 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1058 AM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will cross the region this morning and early
afternoon, sending temperatures tumbling downward through the
afternoon hours while also spreading areas of light snow through the
evening hours. High pressure will then pass over the region later
tonight...with a brief period of quiet weather through Thursday
before another low pressure system brings a round of accumulating
light snow Thursday night and Friday. A potentially significant
winter storm this weekend will bring snow to the Eastern Great Lakes
Saturday and Sunday to then be followed by bitterly cold wind chills
Sunday night through Monday night.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
This morning a cold front extends across the southern portion of
Lake Ontario and will push south across the area over the next few
hours. Snow showers will push through with this front, resulting in
a quick coating of snow. Winds are generally gusting between 25 to
35 MPH ahead of the front and will continue at these speeds through
the mid afternoon after the front passes through the area. These
winds are the result of a tightening pressure gradient with the cold
front. Temperatures ahead of the front will be in the upper 20s and
low 30s, until the front crosses the area through the early
afternoon, at which time the temperatures will start to drop as
winds shift from the northwest. Snow showers will start to diminish
behind the cold frontal passage and briefly transition to lake
enhanced and lake effect through the mid afternoon for areas
southeast of the lakes.

Tonight northwest winds will begin to diminish as surface high
pressure nears the region and the pressure gradient relaxes. This
surface high will also bring drier air into the low and mid
levels...ending any lingering lake effect snows southeast of the
lakes, and also allowing for a clearing trend to the skies.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
High pressure centered over the Adirondacks at the start of this
period Thursday morning will drift east to the New England coast by
sunset. While the ensuing backing of the winds aloft will start the
warm advective process...the residual cold airmass in the low levels
will keep the mercury from climbing out of the 20s (teens North
Country) during the afternoon. Meanwhile...high and mid level clouds
will gradually increase and thicken across the region...as a weakly
organized southern stream storm system will approach from the Lower
Ohio Valley. The moisture could deepen enough ahead of this system
by late afternoon to support some light snow over the southwestern
portion of the area (ie. Chautauqua, Catt counties). Otherwise fair
dry weather can be expected across the region on Thursday.

A flat southern stream shortwave will support a relatively weak
surface storm that will track from the Upper Ohio Valley across our
forecast area Thursday night. Will use a blend of the ECMWF and SREF
mean for the track of the system. Either way you slice it though...
our forecast area will be cold enough aloft for all of the
associated pcpn to be in the form of snow. As we progress through
the night...light to occasionally moderate snow will spread across
the entire region. The main forcing for the snowfall will be a
weakly coupled H25 jet...with a 110kt arctic jet over Quebec and a
more impressive 140kt sub tropical jet over the Deep South. Liquid
equivalent amounts will average well UNDER a quarter inch with
generally weak/unimpressive synoptic lift...so am generally only
expecting snowfall amounts to be in the range of one to two inches.
Some of the higher terrain of the Srn Tier could pick up 2 to 4
inches due to orographics and somewhat better microphysics that will
favor better snow growth due to aggregation. That being said...this
snowfall will be FAR from crippling. We will have to wait for the
next system during the weekend for that threat.

The weak area of low pressure will move out of the region Friday
morning before exiting the New England coast later in the afternoon.
This will allow the steady synoptic snow to taper off and end as
lake enhanced snow showers as the day progresses. Daytime snow
accumulations in most areas should average under an inch...but areas
southeast of Lake Ontario could experience slightly higher values.
This will be better defined in later packages...but given that H85
temps will drop to -15c...some lake enhancement will be a good bet.

A huge arctic high centered over the Canadian prairies will nose to
the southeast across the Lower Great Lakes Friday night. This will
keep a cold northerly flow in place over our forecast area so that
there should be at least the chance for more lake induced snow
showers for the counties lining the south shore of Lake Ontario.
Accumulations from this activity will be insignificant though.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
...Major Winter Storm Likely This Weekend...

After several days of general lock step agreement...both within and
between the operational GFS and ECMWF guidance packages...there has
been some unexpected changes to the outlook for the upcoming winter
storm. While the models are still in fairly strong agreement...they
have both shifted their track for the cyclone further south by some
50 to 75 miles. This may not sound like much...but it would place
the area of heaviest synoptic snow south of our region. That being
said...there are still several days before the system will impact
the region and the forecast track could shift back to the north...
so we need to be very vigilant as we progress through the end of the
work week. It would be foolish to let your guard down at this point.

Breaking this event down piece by piece...the impetus for this
potentially very impactful storm system can be traced to the open
Pacific. An impressive and very well defined shortwave...seen in
hemispheric WV imagery...was roughly 1000 miles west of San
Francisco as of 06z.This troublesome bundle of energy will make its
way to the California coast by Thursday morning. After crossing the
intermountain region Thursday night...the increasingly robust
shortwave will induce strong cyclogenesis over the southern Plains
Friday afternoon and night. The deepening storm system will cross
the Lower Mississippi Valley on Saturday...while high pressure
centered to our north will give way to a burgeoning...far reaching
warm frontal boundary and subsequent inverted sfc trough. This
feature will extend across northern Virginia Saturday afternoon and
night and serve as a guide for where the main cyclone will track.
Again...this track will be 50 to 75 miles further south than earlier
guidance packages were depicting.

The subtle southward shift in the forecast track for the system is
CLEARLY due to a later phasing of the system with the northern
branch. Earlier runs had this phasing taking place late Saturday or
Saturday evening...where now this is DELAYED by 8 to 12 hours. This
delay is enough to keep the storm moving on a more easterly track
rather than allowing it to turn to veer to the northeast.

The result of this will be to place a more pronounced baroclinic
zone over our region. While the main low level jet ahead of this
storm is still going to be well south of our forecast area...H925-80
winds of 25 to 30mph will still impinge upon the sloping surface to
initiate lift to start the snowfall early on Saturday. The light
snow over the western counties will pick up in intensity while
spreading to the east during the afternoon. At that time...the lift
will be greatly assisted by a coupled H25 jet...and to some extent
over the Southern Tier...some orographics. This will lead to
deteriorating travel conditions in the afternoon...particularly over
the Southern Tier.

Solid consensus between the various medium range guidance packages
then track the deepening sub 1000mb low across Virginia to roughly
the Delmarva Peninsula by daybreak Sunday. While the main
deformation zone with this storm should line up over Pennsylvania...
deep lift over our region will still be provided Saturday night
through both H925-70 frontogenetic forcing and strong H25 jet
support. Since H85 temps over Lake Ontario will be in the vicinity of
-12c...the counties that line its south shore will ALSO receive
SIGNIFICANT lake effect enhancement as the steering flow will back
from 060 to about 020. Unless the track of the storm moves further
south...there will be the likelihood for a plowable snowfall
throughout much of the region.

On Sunday...the still strengthening winter storm will chug from New
Jersey to the New England coast. The slow nature of the phasing
process of the storm system seems to also be taking its toll on its
forecast deepening and overall size. The sfc low...rather than
bombing out as a circular cyclone...will be more elongated in its
appearance. This may have an effect on the size and intensity of its
deformation zone...which will be close to our forecast area. In any
case...steady snow should continue across our forecast area on
Sunday...with lake effect processes playing a big role for those
counties lining its southern shore. H85 temps are still forecast to
plummet to -24c by Sunday evening...so the character of the snow
will become even 'drier' and fluffier with snow to water ratios
widening to at least 25:1. This will not be good news though...as
strong northerly winds on the backside of the cyclone will result in
CONSIDERABLE blowing and drifting throughout the day. Given the
falling temperatures...wind chill values will likely become a
concern as well with apparent temps possibly dropping to the minus
teens (minus 20s for the North Country).

The powerful winter storm will exit across the Canadian maritimes
Sunday night and Monday...while a large arctic high will cross the
Upper Great Lakes to the upper Mid West. A deep north to northwest
flow between the impressive features will direct the coldest air of
the season into our region...with H85 temps forecast to fall to
around -24c. While the synoptic snow will have ended over our
region...this brutally cold airmass will most certainly support more
lake snow...particularly over the western counties.

As we end the forecast period on Tuesday...a large area of high
pressure move across our region. While this will encourage things to
settle down a bit...although some leftover lake effect snow showers
cannot be ruled out.

In conclusion...though the upcoming storm system is still a few days
out, VERY careful attention needs to be made to later forecasts.
There will likely be significant winter weather impacts for the
region including heavy snowfall, bitter wind chills and strong gusty
winds creating blowing and drifting snow likely creating difficult
if not impossible travel conditions in many areas.

&&

.AVIATION /16Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
For the 15Z TAF amendments, MVFR ceilings are widespread across the
region, with some LIFR conditions as a cold front crosses the area
with snow along its axis. Gusty southerly winds and scattered snow
showers will persist ahead of the front. Winds will veer to
northwesterly this afternoon and evening...with gusts becoming less
frequent as the pressure gradient relaxes. High pressure will spread
drier air into the region for the second half of the TAF cycle, with
an improvement to ceiling heights and a return to VFR flight through
the night. Winds tomorrow night will be light.

Outlook...
Thursday...Mainly VFR.
Thursday night and Friday morning...Widespread IFR in a period of
light snow.
Friday afternoon and night...VFR/MVFR with a chance of snow
showers.
Saturday..Deterioration to IFR with widespread snow developing.
Saturday night and Sunday...Widespread IFR in heavy snow.

&&

.MARINE...
A cold front will cross the Lower Lakes today, with gusty southwest
winds veering to northwest behind the front. This will maintain
small craft advisory conditions on the Lakes, and also the Niagara
River. We will add the Lower Niagara River into a SCA for a
northerly component to the wind this afternoon and evening that may
near 25 knots at the mouth of the Niagara River.

Following the passage of this cold front, quieter conditions will
return Wednesday night and Thursday as high pressure slides eastward
across the region.

&&

.BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NY...None.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for LEZ040-
         041.
         Small Craft Advisory until 1 PM EST this afternoon for
         LEZ020.
         Small Craft Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for
         LOZ030.
         Small Craft Advisory until 1 AM EST Thursday for LOZ043-
         044.
         Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EST this evening for
         LOZ042-045.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Thomas
NEAR TERM...SW/Thomas
SHORT TERM...RSH
LONG TERM...RSH
AVIATION...SW/Thomas
MARINE...Thomas
Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 16, 5:16 AM EST, 8 hours 57 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
516 AM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

NYZ001>008-010>014-019>021-085-171030-
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis-
Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
516 AM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western and north central New
York.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

There is a potential for a major winter storm late Saturday into
Sunday. There is a risk for heavy accumulating snow with strong
winds that could result in blowing and drifting snow.

.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-LOZ030-042>045-062>065-171030-
Upper Niagara River and Buffalo Harbor-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo-
Lower Niagara River-
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-
516 AM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Erie and Lake
Ontario.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

The probability of widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

The probability of 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

SLZ022-024-171030-
Saint Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg-
Saint Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Saint Regis-
516 AM EST Wed Jan 16 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the New York waters of the
Saint Lawrence River.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

The probability of widespread hazardous weather is low.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

The probability of 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

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jan 16, 11:04 AM EST, 3 hours 9 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1104 AM EST WED JAN 16 2019

NYZ001>003-010>012-085-161700-
Southern Erie-Wyoming-Orleans-Genesee-Niagara-Monroe-Northern Erie-
1104 AM EST WED JAN 16 2019

...A SNOW SQUALL WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN WYOMING...ERIE...NIAGARA...
ORLEANS...NORTHWESTERN MONROE AND GENESEE COUNTIES...

At 1103 AM EST, a snow squall was located along a line extending from
6 miles west of Waterport to near Grand Island.

Winds in excess of 35 mph are possible with this squall.

Locations impacted include...
Buffalo, Rochester, Greece, Cheektowaga, Irondequoit, Niagara Falls,
West Seneca, North Tonawanda, Clarence, Chili, Lockport, Lackawanna,
Batavia, Kenmore, Depew, Amherst, Tonawanda, Lancaster, Hamburg and
Brockport.

This includes Interstate 90 between exits 57A and 47.

Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this dangerous
snow squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads
are likely to lead to accidents. Consider delaying travel until the
squall passes your location.

LAT...LON 4275 7902 4280 7892 4292 7890 4299 7902
      4306 7900 4308 7908 4315 7904 4342 7840
      4337 7773 4328 7754 4332 7730 4247 7889
TIME...MOT...LOC 1603Z 300DEG 23KT 4334 7837 4308 7897

HSK
Special weather statement, Jan 16, 11:57 AM EST, 2 hours 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1157 AM EST WED JAN 16 2019

NYZ006>008-161800-
Jefferson-Oswego-Lewis-
1157 AM EST WED JAN 16 2019

...A SNOW SQUALL WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN JEFFERSON...LEWIS AND OSWEGO
COUNTIES...

At 1156 AM EST, a snow squall was located along a line extending from
near Watertown to near Nine Mile Point.

Winds in excess of 30 mph are possible with this squall.

Locations impacted include...
Watertown, Oswego, Fort Drum, Sandy Island Beach State Park, Stony
Point, Carthage, Lowville, Pulaski, West Carthage, Central Square,
Adams, Dexter, Redfield, Glen Park, Herrings, Highmarket, Mexico
Point State Park, Adams Center, Nine Mile Point and Barnes Corners.

This includes Interstate 81 between exits 32 and 48.

Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this dangerous
snow squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads
are likely to lead to accidents. Consider delaying travel until the
squall passes your location.

LAT...LON 4342 7553 4348 7581 4333 7589 4332 7586
      4316 7588 4346 7664 4356 7645 4357 7628
      4369 7626 4378 7629 4384 7636 4410 7597
      4407 7517 4361 7511
TIME...MOT...LOC 1656Z 270DEG 31KT 4396 7585 4360 7641

HSK
Special weather statement, Jan 16, 12:22 PM EST, 1 hour 51 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1222 PM EST WED JAN 16 2019

NYZ003>006-011>014-161815-
Ontario-Livingston-Oswego-Wyoming-Wayne-Genesee-Monroe-Northern
Cayuga-
1222 PM EST WED JAN 16 2019

...A SNOW SQUALL WILL AFFECT WAYNE...NORTHEASTERN WYOMING...
LIVINGSTON...CAYUGA...SOUTHWESTERN OSWEGO...SOUTHERN MONROE...
SOUTHEASTERN GENESEE AND ONTARIO COUNTIES...

At 1221 PM EST, a snow squall was located along a line extending from
near Nine Mile Point to Caledonia.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with this squall.

Locations impacted include...
Rochester, Irondequoit, Oswego, Geneva, Fulton, Canandaigua, Geneseo,
East Rochester, Webster, Fairport, Brighton, Fair Haven Beach State
Park, Ontario, Henrietta, Penfield, Newark, Williamson, Marion, Le
Roy and Lyons.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 390 between exits 7 and 12.
 Interstate 90 between exits 46 and 40.

Use extra caution if you must travel into or through this dangerous
snow squall. Rapid changes in visibility and potentially slick roads
are likely to lead to accidents. Consider delaying travel until the
squall passes your location.

LAT...LON 4258 7766 4295 7816 4333 7713 4331 7697
      4335 7681 4351 7653 4322 7619 4320 7622
      4324 7626 4324 7627 4323 7626 4320 7627
      4323 7631 4323 7648 4303 7650 4301 7696
      4276 7697 4276 7731 4267 7737 4258 7737
TIME...MOT...LOC 1721Z 272DEG 72KT 4347 7642 4297 7789

HSK

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 16, 11:04 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFErie, Genesee, Monroe, Orleans56 min
Jan 16, 11:38 AM ESTSnow Squall WarningBUFGenesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Wayne, Wyoming52 min
Jan 16, 11:57 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFJefferson, Lewis, Oswego63 min
Jan 16, 12:22 PM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFLivingston, Ontario, Wayne53 min

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in New York, 2019Every winter storm watch in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.