Alert archive / New York / Lake Effect Snow Warnings in 2026
Lake Effect Snow Warning 1, NWS Buffalo, NY
NWS Buffalo, NY issued this lake effect snow warning at Jan 22, 2026, 1:20 AM EST for Erie County, Wyoming County, New York. It was in force for 36 hr. 60 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Jan 22, 2026, 1:20 AM EST (06:20 UTC)
- Expired
- Jan 23, 2026, 1:00 PM EST
- In force
- 36 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Buffalo, NY
Counties Erie County, NY, Wyoming County, NY
The radar
The Buffalo radar (KBUF), 31 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 06:22 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 5:15 AM EST | SNOW 2.2 | Kenmore, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-59 Kenmore 0.3 ESE. |
| Jan 22, 5:30 AM EST | SNOW 5 | 3 Ne Holland, NY | 24 hour snowfall total. |
| Jan 22, 6:00 AM EST | SNOW 5 | 5 Nw Varysburg, NY | CO-OP Observer station ATAN6 Attica 7SW. |
| Jan 22, 6:50 AM EST | SNOW 3.3 | Orchard Park, NY | 24 hour snowfall. 2 additional inches since yesterday afternoon. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 2.5 | Hamburg, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-39 Hamburg 0.4 WSW. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 2.9 | 1 Nw Kenmore, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-57 Kenmore 0.8 NW. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3 | 1 S Blasdell, NY | Overnight snowfall. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3 | 2 S Snyder, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-122 Cheektowaga 2.4 NW. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3 | 3 N Silver Springs, NY | CO-OP Observer station SVSN6 Silver Springs 3N. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.1 | 2 Se East Aurora, NY | CO-OP Observer station WLSN6 Wales. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.2 | 2 Se Elma Center, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-261 Elma Center 1.8 SE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.8 | 1 Se Glenwood, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-194 Glenwood 1.0 SE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4 | 1 E East Aurora, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-66 East Aurora 1.0 ESE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4 | 3 W Wyoming, NY | CO-OP Observer station WYON6 Wyoming 3W. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.1 | Buffalo Airport, NY | 24 hour snowfall. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.5 | 3 Ene West Seneca, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-219 West Seneca 2.8 ENE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.6 | Sardinia, NY | Snowfall since midnight. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.9 | 1 Sse Eden, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-150 Eden 1.4 SSE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.9 | 2 Nw South Wales, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-158 East Aurora 2.7 SSE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 5.3 | 1 Wnw Colden, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-166 Boston 2.5 NE. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 5.5 | 5 Nw Gainesville, NY | CO-OP Observer station WRSN6 Warsaw 6SW. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 6.5 | 3 W Warsaw, NY | CO-OP Observer station WSWN6 Warsaw 4W. |
| Jan 22, 7:47 AM EST | SNOW 3.5 | 2 N Hamburg, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-189 Hamburg 2.0 N. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.5 | Derby, NY | Snowfall since 7AM yesterday. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.8 | 1 W East Amherst, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-54 East Amherst 1.2 WNW. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 4 | 2 E West Seneca, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-264 West Seneca 2.5 E. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 4 | 5 W Hamburg, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-282 5 NNW Eden. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 4 | 5 W Hamburg, NY | CO-OP Observer station LKVN6 Lake View 1NE. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 5.6 | 3 N Amherst, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-98 Amherst 5.4 NNE. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 5.8 | 1 Wnw Springville, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-266 1 WNW Springville. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 6 | 1 W Alden, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-280 Alden 0.6 W. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 8.2 | 1 W Arcade, NY | CO-OP Observer station ARCN6 Arcade. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 AM EST | SNOW 9.1 | 3 Ne Glenwood, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-77 Colden 2.4 ENE. |
| Jan 22, 8:25 AM EST | SNOW 4.3 | 2 Nnw Buffalo, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-283 Buffalo 1.8 NNW. |
| Jan 22, 8:30 AM EST | SNOW 3.8 | 1 Nw Williamsville, NY | 24 hour snowfall. 1.4 inches of snow yesterday afternoon, another 2.4 inches overnight. |
| Jan 22, 8:45 AM EST | SNOW 3 | 5 Nnw Eden, NY | Corrects previous snow report from 5 NNW Eden. Overnight snowfall total. |
| Jan 22, 8:45 AM EST | SNOW 9 | 5 Nnw Eden, NY | Includes overnight snowfall. |
| Jan 22, 8:52 AM EST | SNOW 1.5 | 2 Nne Tonawanda, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-86 Tonawanda 1.5 NNE. |
| Jan 22, 9:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.5 | 2 E Tonawanda, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-242 Tonawanda 1.6 E. |
| Jan 22, 9:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.2 | 1 Se Amherst, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-104 Williamsville 2.2 NNW. |
| Jan 22, 9:00 AM EST | SNOW 5 | 3 Sw Elma, NY | |
| Jan 22, 9:00 AM EST | SNOW 5.2 | 3 E East Concord, NY | CO-OP Observer station SGVN6 Springville 5NE. |
| Jan 22, 9:00 AM EST | SNOW 6.8 | 1 Se Elma Center, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-75 Elma Center 0.7 SE. |
| Jan 22, 10:56 AM EST | SNOW 3.3 | 2 Ese Elma Center, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-138 East Aurora 3.4 NNE. |
| Jan 22, 11:00 AM EST | SNOW 5.5 | 2 Nw West Falls, NY | 24-hour total. |
| Jan 22, 12:50 PM EST | SNOW 6.7 | 1 Wnw Alden, NY | Snowfall total since yesterday. |
| Jan 22, 4:33 PM EST | SNOW 5 | Orchard Park, NY | Snowfall since this morning. |
| Jan 22, 7:00 PM EST | SNOW 11.5 | 2 Sw West Falls, NY | Snowfall today. |
| Jan 22, 8:00 PM EST | SNOW 4.8 | 2 Ene Kenmore, NY | |
| Jan 23, 6:30 AM EST | SNOW 4 | Kenmore, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-59 Kenmore 0.3 ESE. |
| Jan 23, 6:30 AM EST | SNOW 8 | 3 Ne Holland, NY | 24 hour snowfall total. |
| Jan 23, 6:30 AM EST | SNOW 13 | 3 Ne Holland, NY | 48 hour total snowfall. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 1 | 2 S Snyder, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-122 Cheektowaga 2.4 NW. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 2 | 1 Nw Kenmore, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-57 Kenmore 0.8 NW. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 2.9 | Buffalo Airport, NY | 24 hour snowfall total. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 3.5 | Hamburg, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-39 Hamburg 0.4 WSW. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4 | 1 Sse Eden, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-150 Eden 1.4 SSE. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.5 | 1 E East Aurora, NY | Cocorahs station NY-ER-66 East Aurora 1.0 ESE. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.5 | 3 W Warsaw, NY | CO-OP Observer station WSWN6 Warsaw 4W. |
| Jan 23, 7:00 AM EST | SNOW 4.8 | 2 Se East Aurora, NY | CO-OP Observer station WLSN6 Wales. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Buffalo Intl Airport, NY (KBUF), launched 00:00Z, 6.3 hours before the alert went out and 27 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 554 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 88 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 284 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 299 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
116 WWUS41 KBUF 220620 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 120 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 NYZ012-085-221900- /O.UPG.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.LE.W.0001.260122T0620Z-260123T1800Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 120 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 8 to 14 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with snow covered roads and very poor visibility at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. 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. && $$ NYZ006>008-221900- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 120 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 2 to 3 feet in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest accumulations will focus across the Tug Hill Plateau. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. Travel within the most intense portion of the band may be nearly impossible at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. && $$ NYZ001-002-021-221500- /O.EXT.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260122T1500Z/ Niagara-Orleans-Allegany- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, and Wellsville 120 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow in open areas. * WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST this morning. * IMPACTS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with reduced visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning commute. 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. && $$ NYZ019-020-221900- /O.EXT.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 120 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest accumulations will focus across western Chautauqua and far northwest Cattaraugus counties. * WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. && $$ NYZ010-011-221900- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia 120 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 9 inches in the most persistent lake snows south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County, with 2 to 4 inches across the rest of the area. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. The greatest accumulations will be just south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County. * WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ Hitchcock
6 follow-up statements
277 WWUS41 KBUF 220658 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 NYZ012-085-221900- /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow today through Friday. Additional snow accumulations 8 to 14 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with snow covered roads and very poor visibility at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. && $$ NYZ006>008-221900- /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 2 to 3 feet in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest accumulations will focus across the Tug Hill Plateau during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. Travel within the most intense portion of the band may be nearly impossible at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. && $$ NYZ001-002-021-221900- /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260122T1500Z/ Niagara-Orleans-Allegany- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, and Wellsville 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING... ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow in open areas. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST this morning. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with reduced visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. && $$ NYZ010-011-221900- /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 9 inches in the most persistent lake snows south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County, with 2 to 4 inches across the rest of the area. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. The greatest accumulations will be just south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ019-020-221900- /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest accumulations will focus across western Chautauqua and far northwest Cattaraugus counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. && $$ NYZ003>005-013-014-221900- /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Livingston-Ontario- Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, Fair Haven, Geneseo, and Canandaigua 158 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...The Genesee Valley and northern Finger Lakes. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ Hitchcock
846 WWUS41 KBUF 221502 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 NYZ001-002-021-230315- /O.EXP.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260122T1500Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Niagara-Orleans-Allegany- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, and Wellsville 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED... * WHAT...Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions with reduced visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ012-085-230315- /O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow today through Friday. Additional snow accumulations 8 to 14 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with snow covered roads and very poor visibility at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. 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. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ006>008-230315- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 2 to 3 feet in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest accumulations will focus across the Tug Hill Plateau during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. Travel within the most intense portion of the band may be nearly impossible at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread light snow this afternoon through this evening, and then another round of significant accumulating lake effect snow is expected Thursday behind the Arctic front and continuing through Friday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ010-011-230315- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 9 inches in the most persistent lake snows south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County, with 2 to 4 inches across the rest of the area. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. The greatest accumulations will be just south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ019-020-230315- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest accumulations will focus across western Chautauqua and far northwest Cattaraugus counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ003>005-013-014-230315- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Livingston-Ontario- Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, Fair Haven, Geneseo, and Canandaigua 1002 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...The Genesee Valley and northern Finger Lakes. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ AR
062 WWUS41 KBUF 222350 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 650 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 NYZ012-085-231515- /O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 650 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow through Friday. Additional snow accumulations 8 to 14 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with snow covered roads and very poor visibility at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ006>008-231515- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 650 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 2 to 3 feet in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce significant blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest accumulations will focus across the Tug Hill Plateau during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. Travel within the most intense portion of the band may be nearly impossible at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread light snow this evening, and then another round of significant accumulating lake effect snow is expected Thursday night behind the Arctic front and continuing through Friday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ010-011-231515- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia 650 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 9 inches in the most persistent lake snows south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County, with 2 to 4 inches across the rest of the area. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. The greatest accumulations will be just south and east of Buffalo to southwest Genesee County during the lake effect snow today through Friday. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake effect snow will develop behind the Arctic front Thursday night with moderate accumulations expected east and northeast of the lake. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ019-020-231515- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 650 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Lake effect snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest accumulations will focus across western Chautauqua and far northwest Cattaraugus counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ001>005-013-014-021-231515- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Livingston-Ontario- Allegany- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Rochester, Newark, Fair Haven, Geneseo, Canandaigua, and Wellsville 650 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Widespread heavy snow possible late Saturday night through Monday evening. Significant accumulations possible. * WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ EAJ
929 WWUS41 KBUF 230549 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 NYZ012-085-231815- /O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 2 to 4 inches in the most persistent lake snows, with most of that falling early this morning. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday 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. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ006>008-231815- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 8 to 16 inches in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest additional accumulations from lake effect snow will fall across the Tug Hill Plateau. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ002>005-231815- /O.NEW.KBUF.WW.Y.0007.260123T2000Z-260124T1500Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga- Including the cities of Medina, Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM EST SATURDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 3 PM this afternoon to 10 AM EST Saturday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult with snow covered roads. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday 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. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ010-011-231815- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches in the most persistent lake snows, mainly early this morning. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. The greatest additional accumulations this morning will be from the Buffalo Southtowns to southern Genesee County. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult with snow covered roads. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ019-020-231815- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 2 inches in the most persistent lake snows, mainly early this morning. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest additional accumulations this morning will be across western and northern Chautauqua County and northwest Cattaraugus County. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult with snow covered roads. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning 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. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ001-013-014-021-231815- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Niagara-Livingston-Ontario-Allegany- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Geneseo, Canandaigua, and Wellsville 1249 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Niagara, Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ Hitchcock
983 WWUS41 KBUF 231511 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 NYZ010-011-240315- /O.CAN.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ012-085-240315- /O.CON.KBUF.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches in the most persistent lake snows, with most of that falling this morning. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...For the Lake Effect Snow Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ NYZ006>008-240315- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 5 to 10 inches in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. The greatest additional accumulations from lake effect snow will fall across the Tug Hill Plateau. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST this evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with deep snow cover on roads and very poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ019-020-240315- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 2 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The greatest additional accumulations this morning will be across western and northern Chautauqua County and northwest Cattaraugus County. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult with snow covered roads. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ002>005-240315- /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0007.260123T2000Z-260124T1500Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga- Including the cities of Medina, Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM EST SATURDAY... ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 3 PM this afternoon to 10 AM EST Saturday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult with snow covered roads. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions. && $$ NYZ001-013-014-021-240315- /O.CON.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Niagara-Livingston-Ontario-Allegany- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Geneseo, Canandaigua, and Wellsville 1011 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow with significant accumulations likely. * WHERE...Niagara, Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle. Travel may become difficult, so plan accordingly. && $$ HSK
111 WWUS41 KBUF 231757 WSWBUF URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Buffalo NY 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 NYZ012-085-240600- /O.EXP.KBUF.LE.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Wyoming-Southern Erie- Including the cities of Warsaw, Orchard Park, and Springville 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SUNDAY TO 7 PM EST MONDAY... ...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 12 to 18 inches. * WHERE...Wyoming and Southern Erie Counties. * WHEN...From 1 AM Sunday to 7 PM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. && $$ NYZ019-020-240600- /O.EXP.KBUF.WW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Including the cities of Jamestown and Olean 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SUNDAY TO 7 PM EST MONDAY... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 12 to 18 inches. * WHERE...Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. * WHEN...From 1 AM Sunday to 7 PM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. && $$ NYZ006>008-240600- /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T1200Z-260127T1200Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/ Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis- Including the cities of Oswego, Watertown, and Lowville 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the first Winter Storm Warning, heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 5 to 10 inches in the most persistent bands. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow. For the second Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 12 to 18 inches, with up to two feet on the Tug Hill. * WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region. * WHEN...For the first Winter Storm Warning, until 7 PM EST this evening. For the second Winter Storm Warning, from 7 AM Sunday to 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening and Monday and Tuesday commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake effect snow is expected to develop behind the widespread snowfall Monday night. It could linger into mid-week. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. && $$ NYZ002-240600- /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T1200Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0007.260123T2000Z-260124T1500Z/ Orleans- Including the cities of Medina 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SATURDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 7 PM EST MONDAY... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 10 to 15 inches. * WHERE...Orleans County. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST Saturday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 7 AM Sunday to 7 PM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening and Monday morning commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. && $$ NYZ003>005-240600- /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T1200Z-260127T1200Z/ /O.CON.KBUF.WW.Y.0007.260123T2000Z-260124T1500Z/ Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga- Including the cities of Rochester, Newark, and Fair Haven 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SATURDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 12 to 18 inches. * WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST Saturday. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 7 AM Sunday to 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening and Monday morning commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Lake effect snow is expected to develop behind the widespread snowfall Monday night. It could linger into mid-week. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. && $$ NYZ001-010-011-240600- /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T1200Z-260127T0000Z/ Niagara-Northern Erie-Genesee- Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Batavia 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SUNDAY TO 7 PM EST MONDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 10 to 15 inches. * WHERE...Niagara, Northern Erie, and Genesee Counties. * WHEN...From 7 AM Sunday to 7 PM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. && $$ NYZ013-014-021-240600- /O.UPG.KBUF.WS.A.0002.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KBUF.WS.W.0003.260125T0600Z-260127T0000Z/ Livingston-Ontario-Allegany- Including the cities of Geneseo, Canandaigua, and Wellsville 1257 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SUNDAY TO 7 PM EST MONDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 12 to 18 inches. * WHERE...Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany Counties. * WHEN...From 1 AM Sunday to 7 PM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions. Submit snow reports through our website or social media. Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. && $$ HSK
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this lake effect snow 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 lake effect snow warning went out at Jan 21, 6:37 PM EST, 6 hours 43 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1) Light snow and gusty winds this afternoon through this evening. 2) Snow showers, gusty winds and turning much colder behind the Arctic front tonight into Thursday. 3) Gusty winds and lake effect snows develop Thursday off both lakes, with significant accumulations possible east of Lake Ontario through Friday. 4) Dangerously cold airmass will arrive Friday and last through the weekend. 5) Widespread snow becoming more likely Sunday - Sunday night
Area forecast discussion, Jan 21, 6:37 PM EST, 6 hours 43 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
637 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Gale Watch has been upgraded to a Warning from 1AM tonight
through 7PM Friday evening.
Extreme Cold Watch issued for the North Country from 7PM Friday
night through 1PM Saturday.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Light snow and gusty winds this afternoon through this evening.
2) Snow showers, gusty winds and turning much colder behind the
Arctic front tonight into Thursday.
3) Gusty winds and lake effect snows develop Thursday off both
lakes, with significant accumulations possible east of Lake Ontario
through Friday.
4) Dangerously cold airmass will arrive Friday and last through the
weekend.
5) Widespread snow becoming more likely Sunday - Sunday night
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Light snow and gusty winds this afternoon through
this evening.
A passing clipper system will bring an area of light snow through
the region this evening. Overall, snowfall accumulations will be
light, 2-4" possible across the Niagara Frontier and western
Southern Tier where a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued
through 7 AM Thursday. Elsewhere, expect 3-6" east of Lake Ontario,
with the highest amounts across the southern slopes of the Tug Hill.
Much lower snow amounts are expected across the Genesee Valley and
Finger Lakes region with generally an inch or two at best.
Additionally, a strong southerly LLJ (+50 knots) plowing into the
region within the warm sector, despite poor mixing will support will
support some wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph into this evening. These
stronger wind gust will mainly focus north of the Chautauqua Ridge
down to the Lake Erie shore and also downwind of the northern slopes
of the Tug Hill late this afternoon through this evening.
KEY MESSAGE 2...Snow showers, gusty winds and turning much
colder behind the Arctic front tonight into Thursday.
An Arctic front will approach this area this evening and then plow
east through much of the region overnight into Thursday. With it, we
may see an enhanced line (squall) or area of snow showers work from
west to east. After that...a much colder (frigid) airmass will pour
into the region through the day Thursday.
KEY MESSAGES 3...Gusty winds and lake effect snows develop Thursday
off both lakes, with significant accumulations possible east of Lake
Ontario through Friday.
Another round of lake effect snows expected Thursday behind the
Arctic front which will last into Friday. The lake bands will focus
east and east-northeast of the lakes under a general west-
southwesterly to westerly low level flow.
With this event the better environment by far will be over Lake
Ontario, where substantially deeper moisture and a fetch
parallel/near parallel to the long axis of the lake will be in
place. Convergence into the expected Lake Ontario band will be
further augmented by a lake-aggregate thermally-enhanced surface
trough Thursday night into Friday. This setup will likely be
sufficient for significant accumulations from near/just south of the
Watertown area to the Tug Hill, with the band then drifting
southward across the south shore of the lake and giving way to
weaker multi-banded lake snows later Friday and Friday evening as
winds veer following the trough passage. A Winter Storm Warning for
the eastern Lake Ontario Region remains in effect through Friday
evening.
Off Lake Erie...the environment appears to feature a bit shallower
moisture, with a bit more in the way of oscillations in the low-
level flow which will have a tendency to move the lake snows around
somewhat more compared to those off Lake Ontario. Coupling this with
increasing ice coverage, confidence in warning criteria amounts
remains lower. That said...it is still possible that we may see
very 'LOW' end 'WARNING" amounts in spots but for now confidence
will hold to previous thinking with more of a high end advisory-
type event. Also, with CAA ongoing Thursday and a decent LLJ aloft,
we will likely see wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph through Friday, and
maybe a few isolated gusts to 50 mph.
Key Message 4...Dangerously cold airmass will arrive Friday and last
through the weekend.
An anomalous strong western ridge of high pressure will extend
northward across Alaska and towards the arctic circle, allowing for
polar air to slide southward across Canada this week...with the cold
air supporting a strong +3 SD 1052 mb surface high pressure over the
northern Plains Friday. Temperatures at 850 hPa will fall to the mid
negative 20s Friday night through Saturday ahead of this surface
high. A bitterly and dangerously cold weekend with overnight lows
dropping to near zero...to inland areas well below zero. East of
Lake Ontario some of the traditionally colder spots on top of recent
growing and fresh snowpack could drop to minus 20 or lower. A light
wind will allow for wind chill values to plummet to as low as 40
degrees below zero on the Tug Hill with values minus 25 to minus 35
near Watertown and through the Black River Valley. An extreme cold
watch has been issued for the North Country.
Highs Saturday will only recover to the single digits above zero for
WNY, and may linger below zero Saturday east of Lake Ontario. These
values may push record territory for record low maximum temperatures
for the date, with records listed in the climate section below.
Increasing clouds Saturday and Saturday night may keep apparent
temperatures just above advisory levels.
Key Message 5...Widespread snow becoming more likely Sunday - Sunday
night
Ahead of phasing northern and southern stream jets, broad scale
isentropic lift along with the right entrance region of a 300 hPa
180 knot jet, will send a plume of snow northward...this also on the
northwest side of a developing nor'easter. Pacific moisture,
combined with Gulf moisture will make for a moisture rich atmosphere
to allow for a prolonged period of light snow across our region to
close out the weekend.
NBM probabilities for greater than 4 inch snowfall amounts Sun-Sun
night have increased from around 15% to now over 60% for areas south
of Lake Ontario in the past 24 hours, while east of Lake Ontario
still has a 50 percent probability for 4 inches of snow or more over
a 24- hour period. If these trends continue, possible warning
criteria snow is possible especially for areas south and east,
closer to the main surface low to the east.
Snow will end late Sunday night as deformation band of heavier
precipitation develops and exits eastward...along with the synoptic
lift with the 180 knot jet ending. A sharp northern branch shortwave
trough will pass overhead Monday. Cold air advection will maintain a
bitterly cold airmass into next week with lake effect snow falling
downwind of the Great Lakes...with highest chances east of Lake
Ontario where the waters remain open.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Despite a passing warm front with widespread snow showers, there
remains mainly VFR conditions across the region. An incoming cold
front is supporting a line of stronger snow showers, causing
conditions to deteriorate to MVFR.
Arctic front passes through the region tonight into Thursday, with
gusty winds and snow showers which will bring at time IFR
conditions to terminals.
Outlook...
Thursday...Lake effect snow east and northeast of the lakes with
IFR/LIFR conditions. MVFR/brief IFR outside of lake effect areas
within snow showers.
Friday and Saturday...MVFR with areas of IFR. Chance of snow
showers, especially east and southeast of the lakes in lake effect
snow showers.
Sunday...VFR/MVFR to IFR/LIFR with snow possible.
Monday...MVFR with snows showers.
&&
.MARINE...
Southwest to south winds of 20-30 knots behind a warm front today
and tonight, with winds shifting more westerly by Thursday behind a
cold front. Westerly winds will strengthen Thursday and Friday as
another round of arctic air spreads across the region. Gale force
winds are possible on Lake Ontario during this time period,
with a Gale watch issued. Winds should be slightly lower on
Lake Erie, but still near 30 knots at times. Winds should lower
some this weekend as the pressure gradient relaxes.
&&
.CLIMATE...
Buffalo
Record low minimum temperature Record low high temperature
January 23 -11 (1976) 5(1976)
January 24 -11 (1976) 1(1963)
January 25 -14 (1884) 5(1884)
Rochester
Record low minimum temperature Record low high temperature
January 23 -14 (1976) 5(1976)
January 24 -10 (1963) 2(1963)
January 25 -6 (1945) 7(1884)
Watertown
Record low minimum temperature Record low high temperature
January 23 -31 (1976) -1(1976)
January 24 -30 (2014) 0(2004)
January 25 -18 (2007) 3(1992)
&&
.BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NY...Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM EST Thursday for NYZ001-002-
019>021.
Winter Storm Warning until 7 PM EST Friday for NYZ006>008.
Extreme Cold Watch from Friday evening through Saturday
afternoon for NYZ007-008.
Winter Weather Advisory until 1 PM EST Friday for NYZ010>012-
085.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 7 PM EST Friday for LEZ020.
Small Craft Advisory until 4 AM EST Saturday for LEZ040-
041.
Small Craft Advisory until 1 AM EST Thursday for
LOZ042>045.
Gale Warning from 1 AM Thursday to 7 PM EST Friday for
LOZ042>045-062>065.
&&
DISCUSSION...AR/EAJ/Thomas
AVIATION...EAJ
MARINE...AR
CLIMATE...HSKHazardous weather outlook, Jan 21, 1:56 PM EST, 11 hours 24 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Buffalo NY 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 NYZ001-002-010>012-019>021-085-221900- Niagara-Orleans-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus- Allegany-Southern Erie- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST THURSDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western 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. Winter Weather Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Weather Advisory. Arctic air returns Friday and remains through the weekend with dangerously cold wind chills. Confidence is increasing for a winter storm to impact our region Sunday and Sunday night with moderate to heavy snowfall. .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>005-013-014-221900- Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Livingston-Ontario- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 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...Thursday through Tuesday. Arctic air returns Friday and remains through the weekend with dangerously cold wind chills. Confidence is increasing for a winter storm to impact our region Sunday and Sunday night with moderate to heavy snowfall. .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 NYZ007-008-221900- Jefferson-Lewis- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST FRIDAY... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON NORTH COUNTRY... 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. Winter Storm Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Storm Warning. Extreme Cold Watch. Dangerously low wind chill values remain Saturday night into Sunday. Confidence is increasing for a winter storm to impact our region Sunday and Sunday night with moderate to heavy snowfall. .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 NYZ006-221900- Oswego- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 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. Winter Storm Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Winter Storm Warning. Arctic air returns Friday and remains through the weekend with dangerously cold wind chills. Confidence is increasing for a winter storm to impact our region Sunday and Sunday night with moderate to heavy snowfall. .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 LEZ040-041-221900- Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk- Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Erie. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. 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 LOZ042>045-062>065-221900- 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- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Ontario. .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. Gale Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale 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-LOZ030-221900- Upper Niagara River and Buffalo Harbor-Lower Niagara River- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. 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 SLZ022-024-221900- Saint Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg- Saint Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Saint Regis- 156 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the New York waters of the Saint Lawrence River. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. 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
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jan 21, 7:20 PM EST, 6 hours before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
720 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0719 PM Snow 2 E Stafford 42.98N 78.03W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Genesee NY Trained Spotter
Fell today.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Buffalo, NY issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 8:54 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans | 66 min |
| Jan 21, 9:50 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara and 2 more | 55 min |
| Jan 21, 10:42 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston and 4 more | 63 min |
| Jan 22, 1:58 AM EST | Winter Storm Watch | BUF | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and 10 more | 35 hr |
| Jan 22, 9:30 AM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Livingston, Monroe and 3 more | 60 min |
| Jan 22, 12:17 PM EST | Cold Weather Advisory | BUF | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee and 8 more | 46 hr |
| Jan 22, 12:17 PM EST | Extreme Cold Warning | BUF | Jefferson, Lewis | 49 hr |
| Jan 22, 1:47 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne | 43 min |
| Jan 22, 3:34 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans | 56 min |
| Jan 22, 4:30 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans | 60 min |
| Jan 22, 5:26 PM EST | Snow Squall Warning | BUF | Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Wayne | 64 min |
Nearby
Lake Effect Snow Warnings in New York, 2026Every lake effect snow warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.