LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES: Thanksgiving winter storm watch
What you need to know:
- Location: Counties east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
- Timing: Begins Wednesday evening and continues through Thanksgiving Day and Friday.
- Hazards: Potential for heavy lake effect snow accompanied by gusty winds.
The National Weather Service has issued a number of advisories, including watches and warnings, for areas throughout Western New York. Depending on time, day and location, conditions will differ. The BTPM NPR staff will update this live blog with pertinent weather notices from the National Weather Service and government agencies.
Power outages reported in Erie and Niagara counties
As high winds and a mix of rain, snow and ice is beginning to hit Western New York, the two major energy suppliers are reporting active power outages in the area. More than 1,000 National Grid customers are without power as of 9:27 p.m. across parts of Buffalo, town of Tonawanda, Amherst, Grand Island and a small number in Akron. In Niagara County — North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls and 221 customers on North Plank and North Ridge Roads have also had their power knocked out.
There's approximately 700 customers of NYSEG who have reported power outages so far. The highest concentration is in West Seneca, effecting 515 properties. According to NYSEG's map tracker, crews are assigned and investigating the cause.
To report an outage if you are a NYSEG customer, click here.
For National Grid customers, click here.
If you spot a downed power line, officials say assume that it is live and dangerous, immediately report it and don't get too close.
Update on Route 5 closure
The New York State Department of Transportation reports Route 5 is now closed from the Skyway to Mile Strip Road in both directions, until further notice.
An update from Environment Canada on wind warnings and special weather statements
Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Alert for high winds for the Southern Niagara Region, Niagara Falls, and Welland. Strong southwest are expected to gust to 90 km/h tonight, then shift to the west, with gusts easing to 70 to 80 km/h Thursday morning.
Local utility outages are possible. High-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind. Some property damage is possible. Secure loose objects.
A Special Weather Statement has been issued for the Northern Niagara Region, including St. Catharines, Grimsby, Pelham and Lincoln. Strong winds will gust 70 to 80 km/h, continuing through Thursday night into Friday morning. Local utility outages are possible.
A Special Weather Statement for high winds is also issued for Southern Ontario including Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, northward into Toronto.
You can receive more localized information by using the interactive map on Environment Canada’s website.
Skyway closed until further notice; Restrictions now posted for empty trucks and trailers on state roads
With the arrival of high winds and the hazardous driving conditions they will cause, road restriction are now being announced by the City of Buffalo, and the New York State Department of Transportation.
The City of Buffalo, in coordination with state and local partners, has closed the Skyway (Route 5) in both directions due to extreme winds. The closure comes "out of an abundance of caution" according to a statement released by the office of acting Buffalo mayor Christopher Scanlon.
The Skyway closure will remain in effect until further notice.
In the meantime, the New York State Department of Transportation has announced restrictions on empty trucks and trailers on several roadways until further notice:
Route 5 from Church Street (already closed) to Tifft Street, Route 400 from I-90 to State Route 16, Route 219 from I-90 to State Route 39, and I-86, from the PA Line to Exit 23 (State Route 219).
Additionally, empty trucks and trailers will be banned from traveling on the New York State Thruway (I-90) between Exit 53 (Buffalo – I-190) to the Pennsylvania State Line in both directions.
Meteorologist Michael Karow gives forecast update as winds pick up
Assistant Managing Editor Ryan Zunner speaks with meteorologist Michael Karow of Weatherology (in partnership with BTPM) for his afternoon forecast update, and how things could look around Western New York on Thanksgiving.
Erie County Executive Poloncarz & county leaders provide weather briefing
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera, Sheriff John Garcia, Public Works commissioner William Geary, and Homeland Security and Emergency Services commissioner Dan Neaverth, Jr. deliver an update on winter storm preparations from the county's new public works barn in the Town of Lancaster.
National Weather Service Buffalo snowfall projections
The National Weather Service Buffalo office has released its predicted snowfall totals for the region ahead of a forecasted winter storm.
Lake effect snow will start Wednesday evening and night northeast of the Lakes, and then shift southward Thursday and into Friday. A wet snow at first will make for difficult shoveling, with the snow becoming a bit drier Thursday night into Friday. #nywx pic.twitter.com/pUsz9ZU4a4
— NWS Buffalo (@NWSBUFFALO) November 25, 2025
Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon media briefing
Buffalo's acting mayor, Christopher Scanlon, fielded questions Wednesday morning in advance of the coming high winds and lake effect snow. He addressed concerns such as safety among partygoers on Thanksgiving Eve, participants in Thursday morning's Turkey Trot, and how residents can help city crews clearing out snow.
Access to Buffalo piers to close at 1 p.m. Wednesday
(From a statement issued by the Office of Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon)
Buffalo, NY — The City of Buffalo announced that, effective at 1:00 PM today, access to the Tifft Street Pier, Bird Island Pier at Freedom Park, and the Erie Basin Marina will be temporarily closed due to forecasted high winds associated with the incoming weather system.
This precautionary measure is being taken to ensure public safety as strong winds are expected to impact the city’s waterfront areas. Residents are urged to avoid these locations until conditions improve and the city determines it is safe to reopen them.
The city will continue monitoring weather developments and provide updates as needed.
Special Weather Statement from Environment Canada
In addition to information provided by the National Weather Service and local government agencies, as Buffalo Toronto Public Media we aim to provide information to our listeners and viewers in Ontario as well. The following Wind Warning has been issued by Environment Canada as of Wednesday morning:
Wind Warning in effect for:
- Niagara Falls - Welland - Southern Niagara Region
Strong winds expected. What: Strong southwest winds gusting to 90 km/h. When: Beginning this afternoon. Winds will shift to the west and gusts will ease to 70 to 80 km/h Thursday morning.
Local utility outages are possible. High-sided vehicles will be pushed around by the wind. Some property damage is possible. Secure loose objects. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
National Weather Service Warnings and Advisories (as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26)
Lake Effect Snow Warning
A Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Saturday for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties. Heavy lake effect snow is expected, with total anticipated accumulations estimated between 10 to 20 inches, with winds gusting as high as 50 miles per hour, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.
Winter Weather Advisory
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday in Niagara and Orleans Counties, including the cities of Niagara Falls, Lockport, and Medina. Lake effect snow accumulations are anticipated to range from 2 to 4 inches in the most persistent lake snow areas, with winds gusting as high as 50 miles per hour, causing blowing and drifting snow.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Thursday in Northern Erie and Genesee Counties, including the cities of Buffalo and Batavia. Total lake snow accumulations are anticipated to range from 2 to 5 inches, with winds gusting as high as 50 miles per hour.
The National Weather Service also advises motorists be aware of slushy and slippery road conditions, and the possibility of downed tree branches, causing isolated power outages.
Lakeshore Flood Advisory
A Lakeshore Flood Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday for Chautauqua and Erie Counties. Minor lakeshore flooding is expected, with some water on low lying roads and property along the lakeshore. Spray from high waves and onshore wind may impact Route 5 in Hamburg. Water levels will rise in Buffalo Harbor and Canalside. Residents on or near the shore should take appropriate action to protect property from rising water levels.
Gale Warning
A Gale Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Friday for the nearshore waters of Lake Erie from Ripley to Buffalo. The National Weather Service advises strong winds are expected to reach 40 knots, creating waves between 13 to 17 feet. These conditions could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
A Gale Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Friday for the nearshore and open waters of Lake Ontario from the Niagara River to the St. Lawrence River. Winds are anticipated to reach 40 knots, and waves are expected to reach as high as 15 to 20 feet. These conditions could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Forecast outlook from Weatherology (in partnership with BTPM)
Meteorologist Michael Karow of Weatherology (in partnership with BTPM) gives his forecast on what can be expected out of the winter weather event which starts Wednesday evening, and carries on into Thanksgiving Day.
From the Office of Buffalo Mayor: Some pointers for residents in anticipation of the winter storm
Acting Buffalo mayor Christopher Scanlon issued a press release Tuesday afternoon advising residents of the city to plan ahead for potentially hazardous weather conditions that may adversely affect traffic into the holiday weekend.
His office is also encouraging residents to help prevent wind-related hazards by securing outdoor and loose objects, including:
● Holiday decorations
● Outdoor furniture
● Lights and extension cords
● Leaf bags
● Any unsecured seasonal or household items
Garbage collection
The City of Buffalo’s garbage and recycling collection will operate as scheduled on Thursday and Friday. If weather or staffing issues delay service, residents are asked to leave their totes at the curb until crews complete pickup.
Winter parking
Winter parking regulations will go into effect December 1. All residents should check posted signage on their streets to avoid violations and ensure safe passage for plows and emergency vehicles.
Power outage?
Residents who lose power should report outages directly to National Grid using the outage line at 1-800-867-5222. If residents encounter downed wires, trees on wires, or any immediate safety hazard, they should call 911 first so Buffalo Fire and Police can secure the area. Never approach or touch downed wires. Once the scene is safe, the City will coordinate with National Grid as part of the restoration process. Power outages without safety concerns can be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222. Portable generators should only be used outdoors and away from homes.
National Weather Service Watches, Warnings and Advisories (as of 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25)
A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Saturday for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties, including Olean, Jamestown, Warsaw, Orchard Park and Springville. Total snow accumulations could reach anywhere from a foot to 20 inches through that time. Winds will gust as high as 50 miles per hour, producing blowing and drifting snow.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday in Northern Erie and Genesee Counties, where snow could reach up to 5 inches. Again, wind gusts could reach 50 miles per hour.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday in Niagara and Orleans Counties, where snowfall could be 2 to 4 inches. Winds could gust as high as 50 miles per hour, creating blowing and drifting snow.
A Gale Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Friday for communities along the Lake Erie shoreline from Ripley to Buffalo. Waves could reach as high as 17 feet.
Meanwhile, a Gale Warning is in effect for Lake Ontario from the Niagara River all the way to the St. Lawrence River. Waves along the shoreline could reach up to 21 feet.
Related to that, a Lakeshore Flood Watch is in effect Wednesday evening into Thursday morning for the Lake Erie shoreline along Erie and Chautauqua Counties.
Erie County launches interactive winter storm website
Earlier this month, Erie County introduced a new website to help people track winter weather conditions and snowfall totals.
The Erie County Winter Storm Scale website features color-coded maps detailing snow impact levels countywide and locally. The website also displays snow totals by exit along the Thruway system in the area, including I-90 from the Pennsylvania border to Rochester, and I-90 from Cleveland, Ohio, to Syracuse, New York.
Read more about the county's Winter Storm Scale website on BTPM.org.
National Weather Service issues flood watch
Strong winds and snow are expected to not only affect area roadways, but also threaten to push water ashore along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Behind a cold front a strong southwest flow up Lake Erie will create a seiche, bringing potential flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline. Peak rise is expected Wednesday evening, with subsequent rises through Thursday morning. pic.twitter.com/s3YnbipMW6
— NWS Buffalo (@NWSBUFFALO) November 25, 2025
Buffalo Mayor announced Wednesday travel alert
Just before noon Tuesday, Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon posted a Buffalo travel alert for Wednesday. The announcement notes that strong winds and low visibility may vary by location.