Downtown Jamestown on Monday Morning, Jan. 6, 2014. An arctic air mass is expected to enter the region later today.
JAMESTOWN, NY – The region is going to see the worst weather so far of the winter season during the next 48 year.
The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning from 11 a.m. this morning until 6 a.m. Wednesday. In addition, a wind chill warning remains in effect from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 p.m. Tuesday
According to forecasters, some areas of Chautauqua County could see as much as 2 feet of snow – although most of that will be in the north county. In all, as much as 2 to 4 inches could fall today with another 7 to 14 inches tonight and 5 to 10 inches throughout Tuesday.
In addition to the snow, the temperature will be extremely cold, remaining in the single digits and at times below zero. Combined with wind speeds, the wind chill factor could be as low as -40F tonight and overnight and on into the day on Tuesday.
Officials say that by this evening, travel conditions will become extremely difficult to near impossible in some areas of Western New York – primarily northern Chautauqua and Erie Counties – with snow covered roads and frequent whiteout conditions due to heavy lake effect snow along with considerable blowing and drifting snow. Interstate 90 will be greatly impacted from the buffalo area to near Dunkirk.
Dangerously cold wind chills will pose a risk for frost bite and hypothermia for anyone outside for even very short periods of time. Officials say it is a life- threatening cold for those not in shelter. Those planning to venture outdoors should use common sense and dress warmly.
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