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As the holiday season quickly approaches, weather forecasters in New York report an unusual thundersnow storm hovering over Western New York.
It is now known as “thundersnow,” which is responsible for most of the severe snowfall in numerous locations around New York over several days. Hence, experts predict that the “snowy thunderstorm” will likely bury parts of the area in snow. In the spring and summer, they noted, thunderstorms are common but are infrequently seen in the winter. So the people of New York should prepare for chilly weather and heavier-than-normal snowfall now that it has arrived.
“Two intense plumes of lake effect snow with snowfall rates of at least 3 inches per hour will continue northeast of [Lake Erie and Lake Ontario] through tonight. In addition, periodic thundersnow will remain possible near the lakes through tonight, as well as areas of blowing snow with winds gusting to 35 mph,” said the National Weather Service office in Buffalo after almost 3 feet of snow buried Orchard Park in New York.
“Wind direction is a key component in determining which areas will receive lake-effect snow. For example, heavy snow may be falling in one location, while the sun may be shining just a mile or two away in either direction,” the weather service added.
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Expecting more snow in New York
The National Weather Service issued a preliminary list of the total snowfall that accumulated in various parts of New York over the previous two days:
- Orchard Park, NY: 42.5″
- Hamburg, NY: 37″
- Blasdell: 31.0″
- Wales: 26.3″
- Angola: 22.0″
- South Buffalo: 19.5″
- Buffalo Airport, NY: 12.9″
Authorities in each region urge citizens to stay calm as reports of further snowfall arrive. Mayor Byron Brown of Buffalo said his administration prepares for any effects that a significant snowfall might have on the city. The mayor claims that Western Buffalo has already received nearly 20 inches of snow. He advised the locals to stay indoors and off the roadways to avert accidents.
“After consulting with @MayorByronBrown, a TRAVEL BAN is being reinstituted for the City of Buffalo from William Street downtown to the Town of Cheektowaga line and everything south. So please do not drive in or into this area. Conditions have deteriorated very quickly,” tweeted Erie Country Executive Mark Poloncarz.
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Canceled and postponed events
Numerous agencies and groups made cancellation announcements for their planned events as heavy snowfall fell on Buffalo. Several examples are provided below:
- Travel advisories announced a ban on commercial traffics on several roads across the region. Authorities replaced some bans on Friday.
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport canceled many flights in and out of the state as inches of snow fell on the ports.
- The Buffalo Bills will not meet the Cleveland Browns near the state. Instead, the NFL will move the Sunday match to Detroit.
- Public schools in Buffalo announce the cancellation of classes across all grade levels. The administration also dismissed remote instruction to help families brace against the heavy snowfall.
