It’s not unheard of to get some wintery weather around Thanksgiving in Western New York, and this year it looks like it’s going to hit while the turkey is still in the oven.
There is a winter storm watch in place for Thanksgiving in Western New York
The National Weather Forecast issued a winter storm watch earlier this week for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Southern Erie and Wyoming Counties. Now, they’ve updated and extended that watch to include Genesee and Northern Erie Counties. Plus, they’ve extended it through 4 pm on Thanksgiving Day. The watch will begin on Wednesday evening around 6 pm.
What can you expect from this storm?
They’re calling for some pretty heavy lake effect snow that could bring accumulations of 7 inches or more “in the most persistent lake snow bands.” Along with the lake effect snow, they’re expecting heavy wind gusts that could reach as high as 50 miles per hour. Add those wind gusts to the snow, and you could see whiteout conditions and drifting snow.
Travel will be difficult
They’re asking people to be very careful if they’re travelling in this storm. The snow-covered roads could create poor visibility. They’re also reminding people to be on the lookout for downed tree branches that could fall into the road. Lake effect snow bands can create pretty fast changes in the weather. In one area, it could be completely dry, then just a couple of miles away, it could be snowing like crazy. Be aware if you’re on the roads that the conditions could deteriorate quickly.
Plan for power outages
Even if you’re not traveling, it could have an impact on your holiday. If there are power outages, you may need another way to cook that dinner and entertain your guests.
The difference between warnings and watches
Remember, a weather “watch” means that these conditions are possible. However, a “warning” means that it’s coming. At this point, it’s just a heads-up that this winter weather could be a possibility.
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