As the holiday season approaches, New York weather agencies see an unusual thundersnow storm developing over Western New York.
Now known as “thundersnow,” this drives most of the severe snowfall in numerous areas of New York over multiple days. Experts predict that the “snowy thunderstorm” will likely cover several regions with snow. In the spring and summer, they also mentioned regular thunderstorms. Yet they only sometimes show up in the winter. But now that it’s there, New Yorkers should prepare for chilly weather and heavier-than-normal snowfall.
“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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Snowfall in New York
The National Weather Service published an initial list of the total amount of snow that fell 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 area advise citizens to maintain calm as further snow is reported to be falling. Mayor Byron Brown of Buffalo stated that his office is ready for any potential consequences of significant snowfall in the region. According to the mayor, Western Buffalo has already received about 20 inches of snow. He issued a warning urging people to stay inside and off the roads 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. Please do not drive in or into this area. Conditions have deteriorated very quickly,” tweeted Erie Country Executive Mark Poloncarz.
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Several cancellations and postponements
Many agencies and groups announced the cancellation of their planned events as fresh snow fell on Buffalo. Some examples are as follows:
- Travel advisories announced a ban on commercial traffics on several roads across the region, with some bans replaced by authorities 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.
Photo Credit: John Normile
Source: CNN
