On Saturday at 2:34 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch valid from Monday 1 p.m. until Thursday 4 a.m. for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
The weather service says to be ready for, “Heavy lake effect snow possible. Significant accumulations possible in the most persistent lake snows. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.”
“The potential exists for a significant long duration lake effect snow event. There is considerable uncertainty in exact band placement and amounts, but multiple periods of heavy snow are possible. Travel could be very difficult with very poor visibility and deep snow cover on roads,” says the weather service. “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.”
Mastering winter roads: Guidance from the weather service for safe winter travel…