18 More Inches of Snow, High Winds Possible in Western New York

It’s been a miserable past 72 hours across Western New York.

A lake effect snowstorm ravaged the City of Buffalo and south towns from Saturday morning through early Monday morning. Over three feet of snow fell in the most persistent areas. The wind gusts were so intense on Saturday night and most of Sunday, that it caused whiteout conditions. Driving was impossible at times.

The travel ban has been lifted for all of Erie County as of now, but cleanup efforts will continue today and tonight, as people dig out and crews work as fast as possible to clear residential roads and driveways. That includes parking lots.

Unfortunately, the snow is far from over. The next system is on the doorstep and will impact the region starting tomorrow evening.

There’s a Winter Storm Watch for Erie, Genesee and Wyoming counties from Tuesday morning until Thursday evening.

Anywhere from 9-18 inches of snow is possible. The exact totals are still unknown and will depend on the path of the lake effect snow band. As of now, the National Weather Service is forecasting the band to set up south, but will go north and back south.

40 mph wind gusts are also going to be a problem. Travel could be very difficult at times, with Wednesday being the worst day to travel. The morning and evening commutes will be impacted.

This will be on top of the 2-3 feet of snow many towns got this weekend. When all is said and done, anywhere from 4-5 feet could have fallen in areas just south of the City of Buffalo.

The good news is that we get out of this arctic air mass next week, with 40-degree highs and rain forecasted for Western New York.