Winter Storm Watches Issued for Buffalo, Northeast Ohio, and Northwest Pennsylvania Ahead of Heavy Snow

Winter Storm Watches Issued for Buffalo, Northeast Ohio, and Northwest Pennsylvania Ahead of Heavy Snow

As we stated this morning and throughout the last few days, our next storm system, which is expected tomorrow, is only part of the narrative for the rest of the week and weekend.

Arctic air spilling into the Northeast behind it, along with strong winds blowing across the relatively warmer Great Lakes, will create the ideal conditions for heavy snowfall throughout areas of New York, Pennsylvania, and potentially Ohio. The most vulnerable shorelines will be those facing east and southeast, as well as inland regions inside that wind field.

For those who are all too familiar with it, we term it “Lake Effect” snows, and they have the ability to deposit large accumulations in short periods of time over extremely confined locations. Unfortunately, this will be the case because such an early-season configuration will result in warmer lakes and plenty of moisture/convection.

Winter Storm Watches Issued for Buffalo, Northeast Ohio, and Northwest Pennsylvania Ahead of Heavy Snow

Because of this, the National Weather Service has issued Lake Effect Snow Warnings for New York’s east-facing coastlines of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Monday. Meanwhile, Winter Storm Watches remain in force for the Buffalo, NY area, as well as extreme northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania.

Once we know where the heaviest snow bands are, we can change the watches and warnings accordingly. The National Weather Service uses the term “multiple feet of snow” to describe this emerging weather condition.

If you are in the watch or warning region, please plan ahead of time to have enough food, water, and supplies to last several days, as movement will most likely be difficult until the snow bands clear and plows can get through.

Leilani Nakamura

Leilani Nakamura

Leilani Nakamura is a dedicated meteorologist with 5 years of experience, delivering reliable weather updates on ManateehsNews.com. She focuses on helping readers stay prepared for changing weather patterns and severe storms. Outside of forecasting, Leilani enjoys exploring nature and capturing its beauty through photography.

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