Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The metro Buffalo area escaped the Thanksgiving Day lake effect snow and things will be no difference Black Friday, as the snow bands will continue to target the southern tier.
"There are bands of lake effect snow south of the City of Buffalo," National Weather Service meteorologist Heather Kenyon tells WBEN. "And that's going to persist today, and through this evening."
As far as totals go, Kenyon tells us 6 to 12 inches of snow has fallen across the higher terrain across the southern tier, while approximately 1 to 4 inches fell across parts of the metro Buffalo area, mainly Wednesday night.
A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect through early Saturday for southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
The strong winds across the entire Western New York region have subsided, at least somewhat, with wind advisories being allowed to expire.
"Today will be breezy still," Kenyon says. "We'll still see gusts of 30 to 40 mph, with the strongest gusts near the lakeshore."
Wednesday and Thursday, some wind gusts topped out in the 60 mph range.
What to expect this weekend
The lake effect snow and snow showers in general will tape off late Friday, allowing for a brief period of precipitation-free weather.
There's always a 'but' with the weather in WNY, right?
"More snow is on its way," Kenyon cautions. "We are expecting more of a widespread, light snow, beginning Saturday night, into Sunday. Temperatures will be mild Sunday, Kenyon adds, and says there will be little impact from this next round of snow for the region.
Buffalo AccuWeather Radar
LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY
* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 10 to 20 inches in the most persistent lake snows. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow.
* WHERE...Jefferson, Lewis, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties. The greatest accumulations off Lake Erie will be found across the higher terrain of the Chautauqua Ridge, northern Cattaraugus County, Boston Hills, and southwest Wyoming County. The greatest accumulations off Lake Ontario will be found across the Tug Hill Plateau.
* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes and Thanksgiving holiday travel.