An updated winter storm watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 11 a.m. valid from Monday 1 a.m. until Wednesday 7 a.m. for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
The weather service states to anticipate, “Heavy lake effect snow possible. Significant accumulations possible in the most persistent lake snows.”
“The potential exists for a significant long duration lake effect snow event. There is considerable uncertainty in exact band placement and amounts, but multiple periods of heavy snow are possible. Travel could be very difficult with very poor visibility and deep snow cover on roads,” states the weather service. “During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
Driving through winter: Expert tips from the weather service for a safe journey
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the weather service:…