A blizzard warning is now in effect from 2 a.m. Wednesday through 2 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
The warning is for "the Niagara Frontier," and predicts snowfall will begin overnight tonight and continue through Wednesday night. However, the highest threat for blizzard conditions will exist from late morning on Wednesday through Wednesday evening.
Hazards include heavy snow and blowing snow resulting in periods of whiteout conditions along with signficant blowing and drifting snow.
Accumulations of an inch or less overnight are expected, then six to 11 inches much of Wednesday, and three to six inches Wednesday night. Storms totals are predicted to be nine to 17 inches.
Winds are estimated to be northeasterly at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph at times.
Visibility is predicted to be near zero at times from late Wednesday morning into Wednesday evening.
Conditions will rapidly deteriorate Wednesday morning, with relatively light snow becoming heavy by late morning. The combination of heavy show and blowing snow will make travel extremely difficult to nearly impossible Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening.
Visibility will be reduced to near zero at times with deep snow cover on roadways during the peak of the storm, along with significant blowing and drifting snow.
A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibility are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you absolutely must travel, have a winter survival kit with you and if you get stranded STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
If you lose power and plan on running a generator, make sure that the generator is located outdoors and is properly ventilated and used only if operating properly. Also, be sure snow does not block exhausts and fresh-air intakes for high efficiency furnaces and water heaters.
Stay turned to NOAA Weather Radio or your choice of weather information for updates. Get additional details at www.weather.gov/buffalo
