Latest Lake Effect Snow System Leads to School Closings, Snowy Streets in Southern Chautauqua County

A view down 3rd St. in downtown Jamestown on Thursday morning, Dec. 15, 2016.

JAMESTOWN – Residents in Southern Chautauqua County are once again dealing with another round of Lake Effect Snow, with as much as 5 to 6 inches falling in some areas between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

In addition to the snowfall, the forecast is also calling for strong winds of 25 to 35 mph, with some gusts as high as 45 mph. The combination of snow, cold temperatures, and windy conditions will affect visibility and also create a wind chill of  as low as 10 degrees below zero.  There is also the threat of drifting snow on area roadways.

The weather has forced several local school districts to cancel classes for today, and has also impacted motorists who were trying to make their way to work or to other destinations. Drivers are advised to use caution if you have to venture out on the road and give yourselves plenty of time to get to your destination.

A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect for Chautauqua County until 7 a.m. Friday. The forecast for Thursday is calling for an additional accumulation of 2 to 4 inches of snow, which could be heavy at times, with areas of blowing snow through much of the day. The projected high for the day will be in the upper teens, but the wind chill will make it feel like sub zero temperatures.

CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS FOR THURSDAY, DEC. 15, 2016

PUBLIC SHOOLS

• Bemus Point Central Schools
• Bethal Baptist
• Chautauqua Lake Central Schools
• Clymer Central Schools
• Falconer Central Schools
• Jamestown Public Schools
• Panama Central Schools
• Ripley Central School District
• Sherman Central Schools
• Southwestern Central Schools
• Westfield Academy and Central School