Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Whatever the meteorologists say, the Snowvember 2.0 lake effect storm of 2022 will be a memorable storm for thousands of Western New York residents from South Buffalo and across the southtowns.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service are still sifting through all the data to see where the storm will stack up historically. But one thing they already know for sure is that snow totals are simple stunning and remarkable.
"Here at the airport, officially, we got over 3 feet," National Weather Service meteorologist Kirk Apffel told WBEN's 'A New Morning' Monday. "The highest total we've gotten so far is 80 inches in Orchard Park." Yes, he said 80 inches!
Where does 80 inches fall in the weather record books? "We'll have sort that out and see exactly where it falls, but it's certainly among the top," says Apfel.
The closest comparison for the storm was the 'original' Snowvember storm 8 years ago in 2014. "It's kind of debatable as to which is worse," Apffel remarks. "Some of the peak storm totals are fairly similar....both are hugely impactful storms for the Buffalo area." One difference Apffel recalls is that the 2014 storm came in two waves and this most recent storm was all at once with hourly snowfall rates at about 3 inches an hour.
WBEN 7 meteorologost Aaron Mentkowski spent the weekend on TV counting the inches and tracking the storm. He too draws a comparison to the 2014 storm and recalls in that storm, the northtowns did not get hit and this time they did get at least a 'taste' of the snow. "It's one of those that'll be talked about."
So, now what?
In 2014 the snow melted quickly and flooding was a massive concern. This time around, the meltdown will be more gradual with temperatures in the 40's for the Thanksgiving holiday week.
We reminded Apffel that Lake Erie is still there, warm water awaiting Mother Nature. Is there more lake effect on the immediate horizon? "The good news is that none of that is in the forecast for the next 7 days."
Travel bans remain in Buffalo south of William Street and in Lackawanna as crews continue to remove snow.
While there was some confusion overnight, Erie County reports Route 219 has been reopened.
Dozens of school districts have closed for the day as a result of the continued storm cleanup efforts.
CHECK: WBEN School Closings
Monday will be windy, the 40's arrive for midweek and rain is likely into the weekend, says Apffel as he keeps a close eye on the weather factors.
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, and Chautauqua counties.
* WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 7 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
