The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for southern Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming and Allegany counties for Friday and Saturday. A winter weather advisory is posted for northern Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties.The southern tier could be hit with 1-2 inches of snow Friday, 4-6 inches Friday, and 4-6 inches Saturday. Winds will be strong at 20-30 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow. Visibility will be down at a quarter-mile at times, causing difficult travel conditions.
"We're looking for 8-14 inches of snow across higher terrain. As you get closer to the lakes, it will be much less. The winter storm warning goes in effect from 11 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday," Meteorologist Aaron Reynolds said.
Reynolds says the Buffalo area can expect 4-6 inches by Saturday, with 2-3 inches Friday night and 2-3 inches Saturday.
Strong winds of 20-30 mph are expected to produce blowing and drifting snow. Visibility will be down to a half-mile at times.
A wind advisory is in effect until 1 a.m. Friday for southern Erie and Chautauqua counties. A wind advisory takes effect at 6 p.m. Thursday and lasts until 5 a.m. Friday for Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties.
"I think it's a good possibility that we'll have a white Christmas," Reynolds said.