A winter storm watch is to begin on Friday morning and will remain in effect through Monday morning.
The National Weather Service predicts a rapid switch from rain to snow with sharply falling temperatures into the teens that will result in a flash freeze on Friday.
From Friday afternoon through most of the weekend, forecasters predict strong winds, and heavy lake-effect snow, resulting in significant blowing and drifting snow.
Wind gusts could reach 65 mph, with localized blizzard conditions possible.
Travel for the holiday weekend will be difficult to impossible at times, according to the weather service.
Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, with whiteouts possible.
The most persistent and worst conditions will be where lake effect snow is most
widespread, which is still uncertain at this time.
Strong winds could cause tree damage and power outages.
Wind chills could drop to 10 to 20 degrees below zero, which can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
