Don't let the calm before the storm fool you, officials recommend you stay home

The National Weather Service said it: "Do not let the benign weather conditions this morning lull you into a false sense of security."

Here's the prediction:

Snow will rapidly overspread Western New York by 9 to 11 a.m. and become heavy. Snowfall rates may reach two inches per hour during the peak of the storm this afternoon. Temperatures will plummet through the 20s and into the teens with rapidly increasing northeast winds producing widespread blowing and drifting snow with blizzard conditions from midday through the evening.

County Superintendent Tim Hens had this to say:

With forecasted snow rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, snow may accumulate up to 6 to 8 inches deep in roadways today before plows can return on a standard plow route. The morning driving conditions will entice people to head out, but conditions will deteriorate rapidly through the day and evening driving conditions will be treacherous. I would recommend staying put today. It will be a quick storm and road conditions should be back to normal tomorrow. I can't emphasize this enough.

The Weather Service concluded in its press release:

Travel will become extremely hazardous or even nearly impossible at times due to the combination of very heavy snow and blowing snow. Those who venture out this morning in the good weather may have a difficult time returning home later today as conditions worsen.

UPDATE 8:23 a.m.: Spoke with City Manager Jason Molino. He's also recommending people stay home if at all possible today. He also asked that people not park their cars on the streets so plow trucks can operate more freely. "When we're getting into several inches per hour, it's going to be a constant battle to keep the roads clear," Molino said. The priority will be on the major thoroughfares such as Main Street and Ellicott Street, Molino said.