Winter Storm Warning Issued as Snow and Rain Hit Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A winter storm is set to affect Western New York from Wednesday through the weekend, bringing a mix of snow, freezing rain, and rain to the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 7 a.m. Friday for Southern Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. Forecasters expect lake effect snow and strong winds to create hazardous travel conditions.

According to meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski, a wintry mix will blanket the area on Thursday morning, resulting in a slow commute. This mix is anticipated to transition to rain early Thursday, followed by a return to snow in the afternoon. As temperatures drop late in the day, any slush on roadways is likely to freeze, complicating later traffic.

Valentine’s Day is expected to be relatively calm with highs near 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but another storm system is forecasted to arrive Saturday morning, bringing snowfall that may continue through Sunday evening. Models predict accumulations ranging from 5 to 10 inches of snow by late Sunday, alongside a potential rain and snow mix on Saturday afternoon.

Meteorologists caution that temperatures are expected to remain below normal through February 24, with no warm-up in sight. The combination of cold temperatures and precipitation may contribute to ongoing winter weather hazards across the region.

As always, residents are advised to check local forecasts and prepare for potentially dangerous travel conditions over the coming days.