BUFFALO – The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Warning for all of Chautauqua County from early Wednesday morning until 6 p.m. Thursday, along with a Winter Weather Advisory from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 7 p.m. Thursday.
According to forecasters in Buffalo, dangerously cold wind chills and lake effect snow is expected through Friday morning, with some Wind chill values going as low as 35 below zero.
In addition to the arctic temperatures, total snow accumulations through Thursday could reach anywhere between 8 and 15 inches in the most persistent lake snows, primarily in northern Chautauqua County along Lake Erie.
Due to the weather, travel could be very difficult late today and tonight in north Chautauqua County. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities and be sure your vehicle has adequate supplies in case you become stranded.
With arctic temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills, Chautauqua County Director of Health and Human Services Christine Schuyler urged all residents to stay indoors while the warning was in effect. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin. Check on your family or neighbors and make sure pets have a warm place that is protected from wind.
Schuyler reminds residents that Frostbite can occur in 15 minutes or less with apparent temperatures of 25 below zero or colder.
More information and precautions about cold weather can be found at www.health.ny.gov.
As a result of the cold weather, all local school districts in the Jamestown area are closed, including Jamestown Pubic Schools along with Falconer, Frewsburg, Southwestern, and Cassadaga Valley – among others.
Leave a Reply