Hazardous weather outlook issued for Genesee County: arctic air to begin Sunday, lake effect snow likely
Press Release:
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Genesee County and portions of western and north-central New York. An arctic airmass is forecast to move into the region starting Sunday (January 19) and lasting through the middle of next week.
Key Weather Concerns:
- Bitter Cold Temperatures: At times, temperatures may plunge to 10 to 20 degrees below zero in lower elevations and 20 to 30 degrees below zero in higher terrain.
- Lake Effect Snow: Accumulating lake effect snow is likely east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario from Sunday night or Monday through midweek.
Community Safety Guidance:
- Cold Weather Safety: Residents are urged to protect themselves and others during the extreme cold. The National Weather Service offers cold weather safety tips at www.weather.gov/safety/cold-outreach.
- Vulnerable Populations: Check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors, including older adults, young children, and those with medical conditions.
- Bring Pets Indoors: Keep pets inside during extreme cold weather if possible.
Warming Resources:
- Public places and large local businesses may serve as temporary warming locations.
- During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day), contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services at (585) 344-2580 for assistance.
- For after-hours assistance, call the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.
Please prepare now to stay safe and warm during the incoming cold weather. Stay tuned to local news for the latest weather updates, and visit www.weather.gov/buf.
