By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – High winds and lake effect snow are forecast to buffet the Buffalo area through Christmas Eve.
A high wind warning is in effect for all of Western New York through 4am Monday. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour will gust up to 60 miles per hour. The strong winds could bring down tree limbs and power lines.
The high winds are ushering in a strong cold front that will drop temperatures on Sunday from highs in the lower 50s to the lower 30s.
A lake effect and blowing snow advisory was issued for northern Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Genesee Counties from 5pm Sunday through 6pm Monday. Lake effect snow will develop Sunday evening. Snow fall totals in the immediate Buffalo region should be in the two to four inch range Sunday night and three to five inches Monday. The strong winds will cause blowing snow, reducing visibility, making holiday travel difficult.
In addition, there is a lake shore flood warning for areas along the Lake Erie shoreline through 4am Monday morning. The strong winds will increase water levels at the eastern end of the lake to above flood stage.