BUFFALO, N.Y. — From Winter Weather Advisories to Blizzard Warnings, Western New York became a colorful array of winter weather alerts Wednesday ahead of the late February winter storm.
From Wednesday night to Saturday morning, several weather alerts will be in effect or updated by the National Weather Service over the four-day period.
Below are the all of alerts issued Wednesday and what could be issued through the entirety of the winter storm.
For southern WNY, a Blizzard Warning began at 10 p.m. Wednesday and lasts until 4 p.m. Friday for southern Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Wyoming counties. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet are expected with potential snowfall rates of one to two inches an hour. Wind gusts could also reach up to 55 mph as well, leading to times of what out conditions.
The upgrade to a Blizzard Warning from a Lake Effect Snow Warning comes as winds are expected to be stronger for a longer duration of time.
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For northern WNY, a Winter Storm Warning began at 10 p.m. Wednesday and lasts until 1 p.m. Thursday for northern Erie, Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties. Snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches are expected for the first two days of the winter storm. Wind gusts could also reach 40 to 50 mph as well.
For northern Pennsylvania, a Winter Weather Advisory began at 8 p.m. Wednesday and lasts until noon Thursday for McKean and Potter counties. Snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches are expected with locally heavier amounts up to 6.
A Wind Advisory also begins during the advisory, but lasts through 1 a.m. Friday. This is to account for a sustained, westerly breeze between 15 to 25 mph with wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Though there are three different weather alerts in place, all have the common theme of warning of dangerous travel conditions Wednesday night though Friday afternoon.
Travel is not advised, especially south of Buffalo in the Blizzard Warning area.
Roads will likely be snow covered and visibility will be limited through the winter storm. Localized power outages are also possible due to the strong winds and weight of heavy snow.
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