Classic Lake Effect Blast Coming to Western and Northern New York! (credit: NWS Buffalo, New York)

DISCUSSION: As of earlier today, a major lake effect snowfall event began to get underway off of both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.  As of late tonight, very intense long-lake axis parallel (LLAP) bands have formed and maintained themselves east of both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.  As noted in the graphic above, prolific snowfall totals are expected east of these respective lakes and the event will likely not end until near 12:00 PM EST or later on Friday (January 6).  More specifically, areas positioned just to the east of Dunkirk, New York may receive upwards of 2 to 2.5 feet or more of new snowfall.  In addition, areas positioned to the east of Sandy Creek, New York and just west of Lowville, New York could quite possibly receive upwards of 2.5 to 3 feet or more of new snowfall.  It is imperative to note that as this event continues to ramp up overnight, conditions will become treacherous to near impassible at times along many county and state highways.  Therefore, if you need to move out and about over the next 24 to 60 hours, be sure to leave plenty of extra time.  

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©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz