Alert archive / New York / Winter Weather Advisories in 2021

Winter Weather Advisory 5, NWS Buffalo, NY

January 22, 20215 counties in New York

NWS Buffalo, NY issued this winter weather advisory at Jan 22, 2021, 3:25 AM EST for 5 counties in New York. It took effect at Jan 22, 2021, 1:00 PM EST. It was in force for 21 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 22, 2021, 3:25 AM EST (08:25 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 22, 2021, 1:00 PM EST
Expired
Jan 23, 2021, 9:59 AM EST
In force
21 hr
Issued by
NWS Buffalo, NY

Counties Cayuga County, NY, Monroe County, NY, Orleans County, NY, Oswego County, NY, Wayne County, NY

The radar

The Ft Drum radar (KTYX), 132 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:27 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 00:00Z, 8.4 hours before the alert went out and 132 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 00:00Z on 2021-01-22Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 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 00:00Z on 2021-01-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 115 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 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
756 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
64 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
115 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
169 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

581 
WWUS41 KBUF 220825
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
325 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

NYZ006>008-221800-
/O.CAN.KBUF.LE.W.0003.000000T0000Z-210122T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.LE.W.0004.210122T0900Z-210122T1800Z/
Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis-
Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville
325 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Additional snow 
  accumulations of 5 to 10 inches in the most persistent lake 
  snows which will be across the Tug Hill Plateau.

* WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. Greatest accumulation
  across the Tug Hill Plateau. Much less snow in Watertown and in 
  northern portions of Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on
  roads and very poor visibility. Heavy snow will impact
  Interstate 81 from Parish to Adams. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Heavy 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.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4380 7512 4385 7520 4387 7556 4392 7588 
        4388 7609 4380 7623 4352 7626 4342 7550 4352 7536 
        4360 7513 
TIME Y21M01D22T0900Z-Y21M01D22T1200Z
COORD...4380 7512 4384 7573 4381 7605 4374 7625 
        4355 7625 4351 7638 4338 7614 4345 7570 4342 7550 
        4360 7513 
TIME Y21M01D22T1200Z-Y21M01D22T1800Z

$$

NYZ003>005-221800-
/O.NEW.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.210122T1800Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
325 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
1 PM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 
  4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting 
  as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties.

* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

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.

&&

$$

Apffel
7 follow-up statements
111 
WWUS41 KBUF 221155
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
655 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

NYZ007-221300-
/O.CAN.KBUF.LE.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210122T1800Z/
Jefferson-
Including the city of Watertown
655 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The heavy lake effect snow has moved south of the area.

$$

NYZ006-008-221800-
/O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210122T1800Z/
Oswego-Lewis-
Including the cities of Oswego and Lowville
655 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 
  of 3 to 5 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Oswego and Southern Lewis counties. Greatest additional
  accumulation will be across southern portions of the Tug Hill
  Plateau.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on
  secondary roads and very poor visibility. Heavy snow will impact
  Interstate 81 from Central Square to Sandy Creek. The hazardous
  conditions will impact the morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Heavy 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.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4360 7513 4370 7526 4372 7559 4365 7623 
        4355 7625 4351 7653 4334 7634 4327 7586 4348 7581 
        4345 7548 
TIME Y21M01D22T1000Z-Y21M01D22T1800Z

$$

NYZ003>005-222000-
/O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.210122T1800Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
655 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 
  4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting 
  as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties. In Monroe
  county the heaviest snow will be north and east of the city of
  Rochester.

* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

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.

&&

$$

Apffel
777 
WWUS41 KBUF 221753
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1253 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

NYZ006-008-221900-
/O.EXP.KBUF.LE.W.0004.000000T0000Z-210122T1800Z/
Oswego-Lewis-
Including the cities of Oswego and Lowville
1253 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

The heaviest snow have moved out of the area. However, lighter
snows will continue the rest of the afternoon into tonight with 
additional minor accumulations possible.

$$

NYZ003>005-230200-
/O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.210122T1800Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
1253 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4
  to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as
  high as 30 mph.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

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.

&&

$$

TMA
133 
WWUS41 KBUF 222059
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
359 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

NYZ006-230300-
/O.EXB.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T0300Z/
Oswego-
Including the city of Oswego
359 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 
  6 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Oswego county. Greatest accumulations in the central and
  southern portion of the county.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult at times with snow
  covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will
  impact the evening commute.

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.

&&

$$

NYZ003>005-230500-
/O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
359 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 
  7 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties. 

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult at times with snow
  covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will
  impact the evening commute.

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.

&&

$$

Hitchcock
268 
WWUS41 KBUF 230229
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
929 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

NYZ006-230330-
/O.CAN.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T0300Z/
Oswego-
Including the city of Oswego
929 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Heavy lake effect snow has moved out of the county, therefore the
advisory has been cancelled. Additional snow accumulations will be
light overnight.

$$

NYZ002-231030-
/O.EXA.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Orleans-
Including the city of Medina
929 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 
  5 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Orleans county. Greatest accumulations along and north
  of Route 104.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with
  very poor visibility at times.

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.

&&

$$

NYZ003>005-231030-
/O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
929 PM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 
  6 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties. Greatest
  accumulations along and north of Route 104.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with
  very poor visibility at times.

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.

&&

$$

Hitchcock
789 
WWUS41 KBUF 230525
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1225 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

NYZ003>005-231400-
/O.UPG.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KBUF.LE.W.0005.210123T0525Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
1225 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of
  3 to 6 inches, with storm total accumulations of 8 to 12 inches
  in the most persistent snows. Winds gusting as high as 30 mph.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties. Heavy snow
  will be localized, occurring in narrow bands.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery roads and difficult travel conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Heavy 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.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4327 7681 4333 7738 4329 7744 4331 7765 
        4338 7794 4314 7768 4307 7736 4301 7680 4302 7650 
        4318 7647 
TIME Y21M01D23T0500Z-Y21M01D23T1000Z
COORD...4313 7648 4318 7673 4321 7706 4318 7722 
        4318 7745 4310 7748 4306 7709 4304 7709 4303 7680 
        4302 7650 
TIME Y21M01D23T1000Z-Y21M01D23T1800Z

$$

NYZ002-231400-
/O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Orleans-
Including the city of Medina
1225 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 
  3 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Orleans county.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

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.

&&

$$

Apffel
090 
WWUS41 KBUF 230928
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
428 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

NYZ003>005-231730-
/O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
428 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of
  1 to 3 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting
  as high as 30 mph.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties. Heavy snow
  will be localized, occurring in narrow bands.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could also reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Heavy 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.

&&

Experimental content below...do not use operationally
Please see below links for more information on this experiment
http://www.weather.gov/buf/polygon_pdd
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/notification/
pns15lake_effect_snowaaa.htm
To view the experimental polygons please see:
http://www.weather.gov/buf/lespolygon
COORD...4327 7681 4333 7738 4329 7744 4331 7765 
        4338 7794 4314 7768 4307 7736 4301 7680 4302 7650 
        4318 7647 
TIME Y21M01D23T0500Z-Y21M01D23T1000Z
COORD...4313 7648 4318 7673 4321 7706 4318 7722 
        4318 7745 4310 7748 4306 7709 4304 7709 4303 7680 
        4302 7650 
TIME Y21M01D23T1000Z-Y21M01D23T1800Z

$$

NYZ002-231730-
/O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Orleans-
Including the city of Medina
428 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 
  2 inches in the most persistent lake snows.

* WHERE...Orleans county.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
  snow could also reduce visibility.

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.

&&

$$

Apffel
152 
WWUS41 KBUF 231459
WSWBUF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
959 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

NYZ003>005-231600-
/O.CAN.KBUF.LE.W.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven
959 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Lake effect snow has become less organized and diminished in
intensity. Additional accumulations will be limited to a spotty 
1 to 3 inches through the rest of today.

$$

NYZ002-231600-
/O.CAN.KBUF.WW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-210123T1800Z/
Orleans-
Including the city of Medina
959 AM EST Sat Jan 23 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Lake effect snow has become less organized and diminished in
intensity. Additional accumulations will be limited to a spotty 
1 to 2 inches through the rest of today.

$$

Hitchcock

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this winter weather advisory 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 weather advisory went out at Jan 22, 12:53 AM EST, 2 hours 32 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 22, 12:53 AM EST, 2 hours 32 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1253 AM EST Fri Jan 22 2021

.SYNOPSIS...
Lake effect snow will continue overnight east of Lakes Erie and
Ontario, with the heaviest snow falling across the higher terrain
east of Lake Ontario through midday Friday. Northwest winds will
then carry lake effect snow to the southeast of Lakes Erie and
Ontario late Friday through Saturday, with spotty light to moderate
accumulations expected. High pressure will build into the eastern
Great lakes by Sunday morning, ending the lake effect snow.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TODAY/...
Regional radar showing the Lake Ontario band shifting southward
across the Tug Hill region shortly after midnight. This band will
produce moderate to heavy snow through daybreak, while meandering
slightly southward. Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour can be
expected.

An area of snow showers has organized across the higher terrain east
of Lake Erie, partially from lake moisture and partially from
synoptic scale forcing from a passing mid level shortwave. These
snow showers will be briefly heavy as they move from the western
Southern Tier towards the western Finger Lakes, but will not last
long and will only produce an inch or so accumulation through the
early overnight.

Temps aloft gradually get colder overnight, as the flow becomes more
westerly and eventually northwesterly late. The addition of the
cooler air aloft (-9C at 850mb) will support a lake response off of
both lakes with better, more focused band off of Lake Ontario, due
to the stronger low-level convergence across the Tug Hill, and much
deeper synoptic scale moisture and support from a passing shortwave.
Forecast soundings show sufficient moisture and lake equilibrium
levels to around 8kft for Lake Erie and 13kft for Lake Ontario.
Strongest, most focused lake effect will be east of Lake Ontario
while more transient lake effect will occur east of Lake Erie.

Total snow amounts tonight through the first half of Friday east of
Lake Ontario over the Tug Hill may reach 15-20 inches, with snowfall
rates of 2-3 inches per hour late this evening through Friday
morning. The higher amounts will be confined to the Tug Hill, with 5-
9 inches expected across the surrounding lower elevations with 1-2
inch per hour snowfall rates. Amounts will be much lower east of
Lake Erie given the lower inversion heights and less synoptic scale
moisture and support. Expect 2-4 inches on the hills from tonight
through Friday.

Arctic front currently dropping across Lake Superior arrives over
western NY Friday morning. Once the arctic front moves through on
Friday morning, lake effect bands on westerly flow will shift south
along the southern shore of Lake Ontario by early afternoon, and
western Southern Tier and really a spray of snow showers with lower
vsby at times/possible snow squalls could develop across rest of the
area as well as H85 temps fall to around -15c by Friday evening. The
mobile nature of the lake bands off of both lakes with the passing
front will limit snowfall amounts for any one location. However, one
thing that continues to show up in the high res guidance is
potential for dominant streamer band originating off the wide open
waters of eastern Lake Superior and crossing Lake Huron as well. In
general, snow amounts of 1-3 inches will be possible for Friday
afternoon with the lake bands southeast of the lakes.

A northwest flow regime continues Friday night. The best activity
continues to look to set up off Lake Ontario. Mesoscale model
guidance is not in particularly good agreement on where a Georgian
Bay connection will set up, but pattern recognition suggests this is
most likely across Wayne and northern Cayuga counties initially
during the first half of the night, possibly drifting southwest
towards Rochester late Friday night. If this upstream connection is
able to remain in one place long enough advisory criteria snow
amounts are possible southeast of Lake Ontario Friday night through
Saturday morning. In Rochester the greater snow amounts would likely
focus along Route 104 and into the eastern suburbs.

&&

.SHORT TERM /TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
Main upper level trough axis will cross the area by midday Saturday,
with a cold, gusty northwest flow continuing to produce lake snows
southeast of both Lakes through Saturday morning. Some additional
minor accumulations will be possible before drier air and subsidence
associated with ridging surface and aloft builds across the area
from the west Saturday afternoon in the wake of the trough axis
passage. That said, would still expect some light lake effect
snow showers to continue southeast of the lakes into Saturday
evening.

Outside of a few lingering light snow showers southeast of the Lakes
during the first half of Saturday night, high pressure will keep dry
weather around for Saturday night and Sunday. Some moisture will try
to move into western NY Sunday night, however it appears conditions
will remain dry.

Otherwise, expect a cold weekend with below normal temperatures.
Highs Saturday will range mainly through the teens, with some low
20s across the lake plains. It will be a bit warmer on Sunday with
generally 20s found south of Lake Ontario and teens hanging on east
of Lake Ontario. Saturday night lows will range from the upper
single digits to mid teens south of Lake Ontario, to possibly below
zero across the North Country.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
An approaching mid level trough and associated surface cyclone will
bring steadily increasing chances for snow showers for Monday. There
is still uncertainty concerning the track of a low pressure system
Monday night and Tuesday as latest 12z model guidance continues to
diverge. The 12z ECMWF is the furthest north with this system,
overspreading most of the area with precip, while the latest GFS
keeps it just to the south of our area. The Canadian NH continues to
alternate between a more southerly or more northerly track, with the
latest 12z run now indicating the latter but still keeping much of
the North Country dry. Forecast uses a blend of model guidance with
a chance of snow from this system, the higher chances for snow being
over the Southern Tier. Added some slightly higher PoPs south of
Lake Ontario for Monday afternoon as marginal 850mb temperatures and
northeast flow may lead to some lake enhancement. Whether this comes
to fruition or not will depend on the track of the low and how far
north its warm frontal boundary is able to push.

Precip chances for the area will gradually decrease overnight Monday
through Tuesday as the low continues moving east. Colder air
filtering in on a NNW flow and marginal 850mb temps may lead to a
few light lake effect showers south of Lake Ontario Tuesday night
and Wednesday. A shortwave trough then approaches the area Wednesday
night, which looks to potentially impact the area for Thursday.

Highs through the period will average in the mid to upper 20s for
most of the area, with lows in the mid to upper teens and single
digits east of Lake Ontario.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Lake effect snow is intensifying east of Lake Ontario late this
evening, mainly just south and east of KART. Heavy lake effect snow
will bring VLIFR conditions to the Tug Hill region tonight through
Friday morning. The majority of this will miss KART, although a few
brief periods of IFR are possible through the first half of tonight
in passing snow showers. The snow will be lighter east of Lake Erie,
with snow showers and occasional MVFR/IFR from later this evening
through Friday morning.

Boundary layer flow will veer to the northwest later Friday
afternoon behind a cold front. This will move lake effect snow to
the southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario and spread snow showers and
bands of snow into a broader area, with less intensity in general.
Expect areas of IFR southeast of the lakes Friday afternoon through
Friday evening. Some of this will impact KROC by mid to late
afternoon and continue into Friday evening.

Outside of lake effect areas, expect mainly VFR VSBY with areas of
MVFR CIGS tonight through Friday. A few spotty passing snow showers
from Lake Huron may bring local/brief IFR.

Outlook...

Friday Night and Saturday...Lake effect snow showers likely
southeast of the lakes with IFR conditions. Scattered snow showers
with MVFR elsewhere.
Sunday...Generally VFR.
Monday...Mainly VFR.
Tuesday...A chance of snow and associated IFR.

&&

.MARINE...
Moderate to strong west winds shift to the northwest on Friday.
Small Craft Advisories continue through Friday for the prolonged
period of stronger winds. Small craft advisory conditions will
likely last into Friday night and Saturday along the south shore of
Lakes Erie and Ontario even after the winds become northwest. High
pressure will build into the eastern Great Lakes Sunday, allowing
winds to subside.

&&

.BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NY...Lake Effect Snow Warning until 1 PM EST this afternoon for
     NYZ006>008.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 4 PM EST Saturday for LEZ040-041.
         Small Craft Advisory until 7 AM EST this morning for
         LEZ020.
         Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM EST Sunday for
         LOZ043-044.
         Small Craft Advisory until 4 AM EST Sunday for LOZ042.
         Small Craft Advisory until 7 AM EST Saturday for LOZ045.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Apffel/Hitchcock
NEAR TERM...Apffel/Hitchcock/JLA
SHORT TERM...JM
LONG TERM...PP
AVIATION...Hitchcock/HSK
MARINE...Hitchcock/JLA
Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 21, 2:55 PM EST, 12 hours 30 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
255 PM EST Thu Jan 21 2021

NYZ001-002-010-011-013-014-021-222000-
Niagara-Orleans-Northern Erie-Genesee-Livingston-Ontario-Allegany-
255 PM EST Thu Jan 21 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Snow showers on Friday could produce sharply reduced visibility at
times.

.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

NYZ012-019-020-085-222000-
Wyoming-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Southern Erie-
255 PM EST Thu Jan 21 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Lake effect snow is expected to develop late tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Lake effect snow is expected to continue into Friday Night with
several inches of accumulation possible in some spots through the
period.

.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

NYZ006>008-222000-
Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis-
255 PM EST Thu Jan 21 2021

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central New York.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

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

   Lake Effect Snow Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

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

   Lake Effect Snow Warning.

.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-SLZ022-024-222000-
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-
Saint Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg-
Saint Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Saint Regis-
255 PM EST Thu Jan 21 2021

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the New York waters of Lake
Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Saint Lawrence River.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.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

NYZ003>005-222000-
Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-
255 PM EST Thu Jan 21 2021

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Lake effect snow is expected Friday afternoon through Saturday
morning, with a several inches of accumulation possible in some
spots.

.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

JLA

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 22, 3:25 AM ESTLake Effect Snow WarningBUFJefferson, Lewis, Oswego10 hr
Jan 22, 3:38 AM ESTSmall Craft AdvisoryBUF53 hr
Jan 22, 4:51 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFLewis, Oswego114 min
Jan 22, 6:31 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFOswego89 min
Jan 22, 7:06 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFNiagara54 min
Jan 22, 8:04 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFNiagara56 min
Jan 22, 8:59 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFMonroe76 min
Jan 22, 9:04 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFWayne56 min
Jan 22, 10:18 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFMonroe, Ontario, Wayne72 min
Jan 22, 11:01 AM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFAllegany, Cattaraugus59 min
Jan 22, 3:41 PM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFOswego49 min
Jan 22, 4:54 PM ESTSpecial Weather StatementBUFOswego66 min

Nearby

Winter Weather Advisories in New York, 2021Every winter weather advisory in 2021

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.