1. Lake Effect Snow

Posted 4 minutes ago – National Weather Service

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Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect from 11 pm this evening to 1 am EST Friday.

• Locations: Erie County including the Buffalo Metro area.
• Timing: late this evening through Thursday night.
• Accumulations: additional accumulations of around 2 feet in the most persistent snows. The Heaviest amounts may again focus on areas from South Buffalo to the nearby southern and eastern suburbs.
• Winds: southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph producing significant blowing and drifting snow.
• Visibilities: near zero at times.
• Impacts: heavy lake effect snow will result in very difficult or nearly impossible travel at times in the heaviest portion of the band. If you must travel during the lake effect snow. Expect severe winter driving conditions with very low visibility and deep snow cover on roads. Some roads that have been cleared may become impassable again. Snow loads on buildings may reach critical levels and result in structural failure.

Recommended actions

If you lose power and plan on running a generator, make sure that the generator is located outdoors and is properly ventilated. Space heaters should also be properly ventilated and used only if they are operating properly. Make sure snow does not block exhausts and fresh air intakes for high efficiency furnaces and water heaters.

Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or your favorite source of weather information for the latest updates. Additional details can also be found at www.weather.gov/buffalo. Report snow accumulation to the National Weather Service in Buffalo by sending an email to Bufstorm. REPORT@NOAA. Gov, posting to the nws Buffalo Facebook page, or tweet, using the Hashtag Bufwx.

Before:

• Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• More:
• What to do before winter storms and extreme cold.

During:

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
• More:
• What to do during winter storms and extreme cold.

What is a Lake Effect Snow Warning?

Widespread or localized lake induced snow squalls or heavy showers which produce snowfall accumulation meeting or exceeding locally defined warning criteria. Lake Effect Snow usually develops in narrow bands and impacts a limited area within a zone(s) Source: nws.noaa.gov