Alert archive / New York / River Flood Warnings in 2026

River Flood Warning 3, NWS Buffalo, NY

March 11, 2026Jefferson County, Lewis County, New York

NWS Buffalo, NY issued this river flood warning at Mar 11, 2026, 2:15 PM EDT for Jefferson County, Lewis County, New York. It took effect at Mar 12, 2026, 3:23 AM EDT. It was in force for 67 hr.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Mar 11, 2026, 2:15 PM EDT (18:15 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 12, 2026, 3:23 AM EDT
Expired
Mar 14, 2026, 9:54 PM EDT
In force
67 hr
Issued by
NWS Buffalo, NY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
Minor

Counties Jefferson County, NY, Lewis County, NY

The radar

The Ft Drum radar (KTYX), 21 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:15 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 river

Written for the forecast point Black River at Watertown (ARTN6).

Action stage
8 ft
Minor stage
10 ft
Moderate stage
12 ft
Major stage
14 ft

This gauge today: stage, forecast and historic crests

Stage from the USGS instantaneous record for site 04260500, one reading an hour, from a day before the product to a day after it ended. Flood stages are today's.

The text

As transmitted.

380 
WGUS41 KBUF 111815
FLWBUF

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Warning
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
215 PM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

...The National Weather Service in Buffalo NY has issued a Flood 
Warning for the following rivers in New York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Lewis and Jefferson Counties.

For the Black River...including Watertown...Minor flooding is 
forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued late tonight by 300 AM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-120700-
/O.NEW.KBUF.FL.W.0003.260312T0723Z-000000T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260312T0723Z.260314T1200Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
215 PM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...From late tonight until further notice.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 12:30 PM EDT Wednesday the stage was 8.29 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
    late tonight and continue rising to a crest of 11.4 feet
    early tomorrow afternoon. It will then rise to another crest
    of at least 11.5 feet Saturday. Additional rises are possible
    later this weekend.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    11.5 feet on 03/19/1990.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

Hitchcock
8 follow-up statements
604 
WGUS81 KBUF 120650
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
250 AM EDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

For the Black River...including Boonville, Watertown...Minor 
flooding is forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued by 3 PM EDT.this afternoon by 300 
PM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-121900-
/O.CON.KBUF.FL.W.0003.260312T0723Z-000000T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260312T0814Z.260314T1200Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
250 AM EDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM EARLY THIS MORNING UNTIL 
FURTHER NOTICE...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...From early this morning until further notice.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 1:30 AM EDT Thursday the stage was 9.27 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
    early this morning and continue rising to a crest of 11.4
    feet this afternoon. It will then rise to 11.5 feet Saturday
    morning. Additional rises are possible thereafter.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    11.5 feet on 03/19/1990.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

HSK
506 
WGUS81 KBUF 121717
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
117 PM EDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

For the Black River...including Boonville, Watertown...Minor 
flooding is forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued late tonight by 315 AM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-130715-
/O.EXT.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260312T1800Z.260313T1800Z.260314T1800Z.NO/
117 PM EDT Thu Mar 12 2026

...FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL SATURDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...Until Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 12:30 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 9.71 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
    this afternoon to a crest of 10.2 feet Friday night. It will
    then fall below flood stage early Saturday afternoon.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    10.1 feet on 03/29/2021.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

Hitchcock
342 
WGUS81 KBUF 130546
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
146 AM EDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Lewis and Jefferson Counties.

For the Black River...including Boonville, Watertown...Minor 
flooding is forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued by this afternoon by 315 PM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-131915-
/O.CON.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260313T0522Z.260313T1800Z.260314T1800Z.NO/
146 AM EDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL TOMORROW EVENING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...Until Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 12:30 AM EDT Friday the stage was 9.86 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 10.2
    feet this afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage
    early tomorrow afternoon.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    10.1 feet on 03/29/2021.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

HSK
087 
WGUS81 KBUF 131653
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1253 PM EDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown and Dadville affecting Jefferson and 
  Lewis Counties.

For the Black River...including Watertown...Minor flooding is 
forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued late tonight by 330 AM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-140730-
/O.CON.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260313T0522Z.260314T0600Z.260314T2200Z.NO/
1253 PM EDT Fri Mar 13 2026

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL TOMORROW EVENING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. 
  Below Dadville, the river is cresting early this afternoon and 
  remaining in minor flood stage through early Friday evening. At 
  Watertown, the river is expected to crest early Saturday morning.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...Until Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 12:30 PM EDT Friday the stage was 10.36 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
    ending at 12:30 PM EDT Friday was 10.39 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 10.5
    feet just after midnight tonight. It will then fall below
    flood stage Saturday evening.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    10.1 feet on 03/29/2021.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

Brothers
072 
WGUS81 KBUF 140713
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
313 AM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Lewis and Jefferson Counties.

For the Black River...including Boonville, Watertown...Minor 
flooding is forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued this afternoon by 315 PM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-141915-
/O.CON.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260313T0522Z.260314T0615Z.260314T2200Z.NO/
313 AM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. 
  At Watertown, the river is cresting this morning.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...Until this evening.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 3:00 AM EDT Saturday the stage was 10.5 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
    ending at 3:00 AM EDT Saturday was 10.52 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage
    this evening and continue falling to 8.2 feet Monday evening.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    10.1 feet on 03/29/2021.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

HSK
319 
WGUS81 KBUF 141636
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1236 PM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

For the Black River...including Watertown...Minor flooding is 
forecast.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued this evening by 800 PM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-150000-
/O.CON.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0000Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260313T0522Z.260314T0615Z.260314T2200Z.NO/
1236 PM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. 
  At Watertown, the river crested earlier this morning and will 
  gradually lower through early this evening.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...Until Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 12:15 PM EDT Saturday the stage was 10.31 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
    ending at 12:15 PM EDT Saturday was 10.52 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage
    this evening and continue falling to 8.8 feet Tuesday
    morning.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of
    10.1 feet on 03/29/2021.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

Brothers
562 
WGUS81 KBUF 142357
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
757 PM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Lewis and Jefferson Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.

Additional information is available at www.weather.gov.

The next statement will be issued late tonight by 200 AM EDT.

&&

NYC045-049-150600-
/O.EXT.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0552Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260313T0522Z.260314T0615Z.260314T2351Z.NO/
757 PM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring.

* WHERE...Black River at Watertown.

* WHEN...Until just after midnight tonight.

* IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Flood stage, farmland flooding begins in 
  the Flats with some roads flooded. Minor damages to riverfront 
  commercial properties in Dexter.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 7:45 PM EDT Saturday the stage was 10.08 feet.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours
    ending at 7:45 PM EDT Saturday was 10.52 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage by
    around midnight tonight and then to 8.8 feet Tuesday morning.
  - Flood stage is 10.0 feet.
  - Flood History...No available flood history.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

TMA
334 
WGUS81 KBUF 150154
FLSBUF

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
954 PM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in New 
York...

  Black River At Watertown affecting Lewis and Jefferson Counties.

NYC045-049-150300-
/O.CAN.KBUF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-260315T0154Z/
/ARTN6.1.ER.260313T0522Z.260314T0615Z.260315T0115Z.NO/
954 PM EDT Sat Mar 14 2026

...FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The Flood Warning is cancelled for
  the Black River At Watertown.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 9:30 PM EDT Saturday the stage was 9.9 feet and slowly
    falling.
  - Bankfull stage is 8.0 feet.
  - Forecast...The river is expected to fall to 8.8 feet Tuesday
    morning.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

&&

LAT...LON 4392 7531 4374 7550 4397 7567 4392 7606
      4405 7612 4408 7559


$$

TMA

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this river flood 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 river flood warning went out at Mar 11, 6:23 AM EDT, 7 hours 52 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • 1) Widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms through this evening. A brief period of freezing rain will is possible near the Saint Lawrence River this morning. 2) Low chance of severe thunderstorms late afternoon and evening. 3) Gusty winds today through early Thursday, especially close to the lakes. 4) A frontal system will bring accumulating snow, rain and gusty winds to western and northcentral New York Friday into Friday night. 5) Active pattern continues late this weekend into early next week as another system may bring the chance of rain, snow, strong winds, and a return winter-like temperatures to western New York.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 11, 6:23 AM EDT, 7 hours 52 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
623 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Dense Fog Advisory for Erie County has been cancelled.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms through this evening.
A brief period of freezing rain will is possible near the Saint
Lawrence River this morning.

2) Low chance of severe thunderstorms late afternoon and
evening.

3) Gusty winds today through early Thursday, especially close
to the lakes.

4) A frontal system will bring accumulating snow, rain and gusty
winds to western and northcentral New York Friday into Friday night.

5) Active pattern continues late this weekend into early next week
as another system may bring the chance of rain, snow, strong winds,
and a return winter-like temperatures to western New York.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Widespread rain and scattered thunderstorms through
this evening. A brief period of freezing rain will is possible
near the Saint Lawrence River this morning.

Multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms will cross the
eastern Great Lakes as convectively augmented shortwaves and deep
moisture move across the region. The first round will arrive into
western New York this morning, followed by a few more rounds through
the day. A few storms may produce brief heavy downpours. The last
round of rain and storms will cross the area from west to east this
evening along a strong cold front.

A localized area of freezing rain is likely across the Thousand
Islands region this morning as low level northeast flow brings
surface temperatures to near or just below freezing in the Saint
Lawrence Valley. Ice accumulations of a trace to less than a tenth
of inch are possible over far northern Jefferson County, where a
Winter Weather Advisory is in effect.

Rainfall amounts of 1.0" to 1.5" are likely across much of the
region through tonight. The combination of rain and snowmelt will
continue to increase the flood risk east of Lake Ontario. See the
Hydrology section below for more details.

A few snow showers will develop late tonight through Thursday
morning in the strong cold advection regime behind the cold front,
along with some limited lake enhancement east of both lakes. The
airmass quickly dries out, so accumulations will be limited to a
dusting for lower elevations up to a few inches for higher terrain
east of the lakes.

KEY MESSAGE 2...Low chance of severe thunderstorms this
afternoon and evening.

Strong dynamics from a sharp trough and powerful cold frontal
passage will bring at least a chance of isolated severe
thunderstorms late this afternoon and evening. There will be several
rounds of thunderstorms today, but the severe weather risk will
likely be limited to the last round of storms in the late afternoon
and early evening along the cold front.

Shear profiles are very favorable with a 55-65 knot low level jet in
the warm sector, but extensive cloud cover and multiple rounds of
showers will limit destabilization. The best chance of sufficient
surface based instability to support an isolated severe risk will be
across western New York, where SPC has a Marginal Risk. The primary
severe weather risk would be isolated damaging wind gusts, with the
risk conditional on sufficient destabilization.

KEY MESSAGE 3...Gusty winds today through early Thursday, especially
close to the lakes.

A strong 55-65 knot low level jet will cross the eastern Great Lakes
through this evening. The strongest winds aloft will be confined to
the warm sector of the system, with warm advection and poor lapse
rates limiting the mixing potential. Nonetheless, a few gusts may
reach or exceed 40 mph this afternoon and tonight, especially on the
lake plains. Areas near the eastern shores of Lake Ontario from
Oswego up to Watertown will have the best chance of seeing winds
gusts up to 50 mph overnight tonight, in the post-frontal cold
advection regime as the surface low continues to deepen moving
across southern Quebec. Farther west, it will be windy in the post-
frontal cold advection tonight, but gusts may generally be in the 35-
45 mph range.

KEY MESSAGE 4...A frontal system will bring accumulating snow, rain
and gusty winds to western and northcentral New York Friday into
Friday night.

Winds: A compact, but strong surface low will track from the western
Great Lakes Friday morning to far southern Quebec by Saturday
morning bringing another round of precipitation and strong winds. A
tight surface pressure gradient combined with a stout low level wind
field will result in windy conditions across the area, especially
Friday afternoon and Friday night. The strongest winds are expected
to impact areas from the Finger Lakes westward. At this point, winds
look to peak in the advisory level range. Of note is that the area
of low pressure will be slowly weakening as it progresses to the
east Friday into Saturday. This will allow the surface pressure
gradient and winds off the deck to weaken just a bit. If trends
remain consistent, this slow weakening of the system is what will
prevent what would have likely been warning criteria gusts for some
areas versus advisory level gusts. That said, a few spots may still
gust close to 50 knots.

Precipitation: Precipitation may start off as wet snow across much
of western NY to start Friday morning, however warming temperatures
will force a changeover to rain across the lower elevations, with a
rain/snow mix possible across the higher terrain as surface
temperatures climb well into the 30s and even some lower 40s. As the
precip moves into the eastern half of the area later Friday morning
into the afternoon, expect light rain across the lower elevations,
with p-type remaining all snow across the Tug Hill and western Dacks
where a slushy few inches may accumulate by late in the day. A cold
front will move east across the area late Friday and Friday evening
with another shot of colder air moving in behind the front. 850mb
temps will fall into the -10C to -12C range Friday night. Wraparound
moisture will help contribute to modest lake enhanced and upslope
snows east of Lake Ontario, with an additional several inches
possible across the Tug Hill and western Dacks Friday night. Only
minor accumulations expected elsewhere. Snow showers will taper off
Saturday as deeper moisture is stripped away, with minor additional
accumulations possible across the higher terrain east of Lake
Ontario.

KEY MESSAGE 5...Active pattern continues late this weekend into
early next week as another system may bring the chance of rain,
snow, strong winds, and a return winter-like temperatures to western
New York.

As the active wave train continues across the northern CONUS, a
stronger push of colder air will dig a deeper, larger scale trough
across the eastern half of the US late this weekend into early next
week. This larger scale system looks to have an expansive warm
sector with warm southerly flow driving temperatures back above
normal briefly Sunday as the warm front lifts north with
precipitation traversing the region. Additional precipitation will
accompany the system's cold front early Monday while also leading to
areas of lake effect snow showers under northwest flow in the
system's wake. Latest guidance from the grand ensemble places
probabilities of 850mb winds >50 kt at 60-80% with a deepening
surface low moving northeast from eastern MI across southern Ontario
into Quebec that may need future monitoring for strong wind
potential. Plenty of uncertainty still needs to be resolved with the
track of this system based on ensemble guidance, which will have
ramification to ptype and strength of winds across western NY for
Sunday afternoon through Monday. The majority of this uncertainty
surrounds the timing for this system based on latest cluster
analysis. The interquartile range for 850mb temps is quite wide
between 2 to -12 degC early Monday morning, but most members are in
agreement with eventually dropping around -15 to -20 degC, below the
climatological 2nd percentile for mid-March.

&&

.AVIATION /10Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Stationary boundary extending across the Southern Tier of New York
State this morning. A few showers with embedded IFR/MVFR cigs will
continue this morning. Low pressure over southern Michigan this
morning will deepen as it moves northeast across Ontario and
into Quebec by tonight. Numerous rounds of showers and scattered
thunderstorms expected through this evening, with local
MVFR/IFR in the heavier downpours.

A strong low level jet will propagate across the eastern Great Lakes
today. This may initially produce some low level wind shear this
morning before surface gusts increase. Gusts may reach or exceed 30
this afternoon, especially across far Western New York.

Outlook...

Tonight...Rain and scattered thunderstorms early, then some light
snow showers overnight. MVFR/IFR conditions. Windy.

Thursday...Areas of MVFR/IFR with a few light snow showers likely
early, improving to mainly VFR. Windy.

Friday...Areas of MVFR/IFR with rain/snow showers likely. Windy.

Saturday...Mainly VFR with a slight chance of a snow shower. Windy.

Sunday...MVFR/IFR with rain and snow likely. Windy.

&&

.MARINE...
A stationary boundary across the lower Great lakes this morning with
east/northeast winds to 25 knots on Lake Ontario, with lighter and
more variable winds on Lake Erie. SCAs will remain on lake Ontario
will later ts morning when winds temporarily diminish.

Low pressure will move from southern lower Michigan this morning to
southern Quebec tonight, with a strong cold front crossing the lower
Great Lakes this evening. West winds will rapidly increase following
the cold frontal passage, with a period of gales likely on Lake
Ontario tonight through early Thursday morning. Winds will
gradually diminish later Thursday.

A series of low pressure systems will cross the Great Lakes Friday
through early next week, with multiple rounds of gale force winds
likely.

Please note...most, if not all of the Lake Erie nearshore waters
continue to be ice covered. Waves have been omitted from the
forecast.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Ongoing well above average temperatures will continue to support
rapid snowmelt across the North Country through today.
Significant snowpack and SWE remains across the higher terrain
of the Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks. Rain will bring
another 1.0 to 1.5 inches of rain through tonight over much of
the region, including the North Country.

Rivers will continue to rise east of Lake Ontario from ongoing
snowmelt and rainfall. The Black River will likely flood
starting late tonight or early Thursday, with flooding
continuing through the weekend on this slow responding river.
The latest forecast shows the Black River at Watertown reaching
the high end of Minor Flood Stage, but moderate stage is
possible by the weekend, which would result in more significant
impacts.

Flooding is also possible on many other rivers that drain the
Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks tonight through the
end of the week.

&&

.BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NY...Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM EDT this morning for
     NYZ007.
     Flood Watch through Thursday afternoon for NYZ007-008.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 2 PM EDT
         Thursday for LEZ020.
         Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 5 PM EDT
         Thursday for LEZ040-041.
         Small Craft Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 2 PM
         EDT Thursday for LOZ030.
         Small Craft Advisory until 11 AM EDT this morning for
         LOZ042-043.
         Gale Warning from 11 PM this evening to 8 AM EDT Thursday
         for LOZ042-062.
         Gale Warning from 11 PM this evening to 11 AM EDT Thursday
         for LOZ043>045-063>065.

&&

DISCUSSION...Brothers/Hitchcock/JM/TMA
AVIATION...Hitchcock/Thomas/TMA
MARINE...Hitchcock/TMA
HYDROLOGY...Hitchcock/TMA
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 11, 11:05 AM EDT, 3 hours 10 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

NYZ007-008-121515-
Jefferson-Lewis-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

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.

   Flood Watch.

Winds may gust over 40 mph tonight behind a strong cold front.

.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.

   Flood Watch.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

This product, along with other watches, warnings, advisories, and
statements issued by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo
can be found on the internet at http://www.weather.gov/buf

NYZ006-121515-
Oswego-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Wind gusts may reach or exceed 40 mph tonight along and behind a
strong cold front.

Runoff from snowmelt and recent rains will result in rising water
levels on creeks and rivers, and another round of significant
rainfall will occur today and tonight.

The risk of flooding along rivers and creeks that drain the Tug Hill
Plateau will increase tonight, with high flows then lasting through
next weekend.

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

Hazardous weather is not 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

NYZ001>005-010>014-019>021-085-121515-
Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Northern Erie-Genesee-
Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany-
Southern Erie-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Wind gusts may reach or exceed 40 mph this afternoon through
tonight along and behind a strong cold front.

There is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms late this
afternoon and evening.

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

Hazardous weather is not 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

LOZ043>045-063>065-121515-
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 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-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM EDT
THURSDAY...

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

LOZ042-062-121515-
Lake Ontario nearshore waters from the Niagara River to Hamlin Beach-
Lake Ontario open waters from the Niagara River to Hamlin Beach-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM EDT
THURSDAY...

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

LEZ040-041-121515-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Ripley to Dunkirk-
Lake Erie nearshore waters from Dunkirk to Buffalo-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Lake Erie.

.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

LEZ020-LOZ030-121515-
Upper Niagara River and Buffalo Harbor-Lower Niagara River-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 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

SLZ022-024-121515-
Saint Lawrence River from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg-
Saint Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Saint Regis-
1105 AM EDT Wed Mar 11 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

Hitchcock

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Mar 11, 12:38 PM EDT, 1 hour 37 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
1238 PM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

NYZ019-020-085-111800-
Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Jamestown, Olean, Orchard Park,
and Springville
1238 PM EDT Wed Mar 11 2026

...LOCALIZED STRONG WIND GUSTS POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON...

Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue to cross
southwest New York through the early afternooon hours. A few of
the heavier showers may contain locally strong winds, with gusts
of over 50 mph possible in a few locations.

Hitchcock

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 10, 8:12 PM EDTDense Fog AdvisoryBUFErie6 hr
Mar 11, 4:02 AM EDTGale WarningBUF29 hr
Mar 11, 4:02 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryBUF49 hr
Mar 11, 4:22 PM EDTGale WatchBUF11 hr

Nearby

River Flood Warnings in New York, 2026Every river flood 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; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive; the gauge from the NWS water service and the USGS.