A Blizzard Warning in effect from 2 a.m Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued the Blizzard Warning for Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee and Chautauqua Counties. The warning includes the city of Buffalo, city of Niagara Falls, Batavia, Orchard Park and Springville.
A Winter Storm warning will go into effect for Wyoming County from 2 a.m. Wednesday through 2 a.m. Thursday and for Cattaraugus County from 8 a.m. Wednesday until 2 a.m. Thursday.
Forecasters say the snowfall will begin in the overnight Tuesday and continue until overnight Wednesday.
The biggest threat for blizzard conditions will exist from late Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.
For the second time this winter season, Buffalo has been under a Blizzard Warning.
The following information has been issued by the National Weather Service:
* Hazards...heavy snow and blowing snow resulting in periods of whiteout conditions along with significant blowing and drifting of snow.
* Accumulations...an inch or less overnight...6 to 11 inches Wednesday and 3 to 6 inches Wednesday night...leading to storm totals of 9 to 17 inches.
* Winds...northeast 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph at times.
* Visibilities...near zero at times from late Wednesday morning into Wednesday evening.
* Impacts...conditions will rapidly deteriorate Wednesday morning...with relatively light snow becoming heavy by late morning. The combination of heavy snow and blowing snow will make travel extremely difficult to nearly impossible Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. Visibility will reduced to near zero at times with deep snow cover on roadways during the peak of the storm along with significant blowing and drifting of snow.
* Precautionary/preparedness actions
A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you absolutely must travel...have a winter survival kit with you.
If you get stranded...stay with your vehicle. If you lose power and plan on running a generator...make sure
that the generator is located outdoors and is properly ventilated. Space heaters should also be properly ventilated and used only if they are operating properly. Make sure snow does not block exhausts and fresh air intakes for high efficiency furnaces and water heaters.