Hazardous Weather: Artic Air and Lake Effect Snow Expected

Published on January 18, 2025

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Genesee County and portions of western and north-central New York. An arctic airmass is forecast to move into the region starting Sunday (1/19/25) and lasting through the middle of next week.

Key Weather Concerns:

• Bitter Cold Temperatures: At times, temperatures may plunge to 10 to 20 degrees below zero in lower elevations and 20 to 30 degrees below zero in higher terrain.

• Lake Effect Snow: Accumulating lake effect snow is likely east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario from Sunday night or Monday through midweek.

Community Safety Guidance:

• Cold Weather Safety: Residents are urged to protect themselves and others during the extreme cold. The National Weather Service offers cold weather safety tips at: www.weather.gov/safety/cold-outreach

• Vulnerable Populations: Check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors, including older adults, young children, and those with medical conditions.

• Bring Pets Indoors: Keep pets inside during extreme cold weather if possible.

Warming Resources:

• Public places and large local businesses may serve as temporary warming locations.

• During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day), contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services at (585) 344-2580 for assistance.

• For after-hours assistance, call the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

Please prepare now to stay safe and warm during the incoming cold weather. Stay tuned to local news for the latest weather updates, and visit www.weather.gov/buf