A powerful snowstorm is currently hitting Northern and Western New York, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a Winter Storm Warning for nine counties, including Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Southern Erie.
Some areas are expected to receive as much as 3 feet of snow.
Extreme Snowfall Expected Through Saturday Morning
As of early Friday morning, the National Weather Service in Buffalo reissued urgent winter storm warnings, cautioning residents of a potentially historic snow event across the Eastern Lake Ontario and Lake Erie regions. Snowfall rates are expected to peak between 3 to 5 inches per hour, especially across Oswego County, where the most intense lake-effect snow bands are expected to stall.
Jefferson and Lewis counties will also be affected, though more moderately, with an estimated 6 to 12 inches of snow expected in the southern and western parts, respectively.
“The visibility is going to drop to near zero at times. It’s not just snow—it’s a wall of white,” said Meteorologist David Hitchcock with the NWS Buffalo office. “Travel will be nearly impossible in the worst-hit areas.”
Counties Under Winter Storm Warning
As of this morning, the following counties are under an active Winter Storm Warning:
- Oswego County – Up to 3 feet possible
- Jefferson County – 6 to 12 inches, mainly in the southern areas
- Lewis County – Western Tug Hill to receive the brunt
- Wyoming County – 8 to 14 inches
- Chautauqua County – Higher totals along Chautauqua Ridge
- Cattaraugus County – Boston Hills and adjacent areas under heavy snow
- Southern Erie County – Including Orchard Park and Springville
The warnings will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday in the Eastern Lake Ontario region, and until 10 p.m. Friday for areas affected by…
Read full article: Powerful Lake Effect Snowstorm Is Slamming Northern and Western New York
The post “Powerful Lake Effect Snowstorm Is Slamming Northern and Western New York” by Viktor Vincej was published on 01/02/2026 by www.travelinglifestyle.net