UNITED STATES — A brutally cold arctic air mass moving into the Eastern United States will bring a dangerous combination of accumulating snowfall, strong northwest winds, and life-threatening wind chills to large portions of New York State from Friday night into Saturday. Forecast data shows snow squalls developing as bitter cold air pours in, with wind chills plunging into the double digits below zero and visibility rapidly deteriorating in areas where snow bands persist.
First Look at Snowfall Friday Night Into Saturday
Early snowfall projections indicate accumulating snow across western and north-central New York, with totals varying significantly depending on where snow squalls persist longest. Forecast maps show:
- 1–3 inches for much of western and interior New York
- 3–6 inches in localized corridors across Monroe, Orleans, Wayne, and Oswego counties
- 6 inches or more possible in narrow bands where snow squalls repeatedly impact the same areas
Cities and towns including Buffalo, Rochester, Greece, Webster, Walworth, Albion, Oswego, and nearby Lake Ontario shoreline communities appear most vulnerable to higher totals if lake-enhanced snow bands become established.
Forecasters caution that this is an early estimate, with higher-resolution models expected to refine snowfall placement over the next 24 hours.
Arctic Air Arrives Regardless of Snow Totals
While snowfall amounts remain subject to change, forecasters stress that Friday night and Saturday will be rough no matter how much snow falls. A surge of bitingly cold air will overspread the region, sending temperatures sharply downward behind the front.
Even areas receiving lighter snowfall will still experience dangerous winter conditions, as arctic air combines with strong winds to create a hostile outdoor environment.
Strong Northwest Winds to Whip Snow and Reduce Visibility
Behind the front, gusty northwest winds will intensify, blowing snow across open areas and roadways. These winds will whip falling and newly fallen snow, causing sudden drops in visibility—especially during snow squalls…