A potentially historic winter storm is dumping snow in Western New York State at an unprecedented pace, with snow predicted to fall at a “blinding rate” Friday night the National Weather Service said.
Over 2’ (61 cm) of snow has already fallen in the region as of 10 a.m. local time on Friday. A small part of Buffalo and its suburbs could see up to 4’ (122 cm) by Sunday.
“The snowfall will produce near zero visibility, difficult to impossible travel, damage to infrastructure, and paralyze the hardest-hit communities,” the National Weather Service said on Thursday, adding that “[V]ery cold air will accompany this event, with temperatures 20 degrees below normal forecast by the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Environment Canada said that an “intense squall” could occur in the overnight period in Ontario’s Niagara Region. The winter storm could bring over 2’ (61 cm) here as well.
Travelers should expect dangerous travel conditions as well as significant flight delays and cancellations as the storm moves east.
Virtually all flights have been cancelled at Buffalo Niagara International Airport until Friday evening and the few flights that remain on the schedule may yet be cancelled.
Commercial traffic has been banned on some roads, though some bans were replaced by travel advisories Friday morning.
The National Football League has moved Sunday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns to Detroit because of the storm.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
