Latest forecast | Travel restrictions and parking bans

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Several counties across Western New York have been placed under a state of emergency due to this weekend’s winter storm, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday.

Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Genesee, Allegany and Wyoming counties were placed under states of emergency just before 2:45 p.m

“Extreme impacts” are expected for several cities in southern Erie County, including Brant, Eden, Evans, Hamburg and parts of Orchard Park, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said in a news conference Friday. Northern Erie County is expected to reach a maximum of six inches.

“The total snowfall through Monday is significant, but these are not amounts that we cannot handle because the precipitation is essentially falling over a two-day period,” Poloncarz said.

Several other counties across New York have also been placed under a state of emergency.

No snow is expected to fall during the Bills game on Sunday night, but the area around Highmark Stadium is expected to receive 20 to 30 inches of snow in the days and hours leading up to the game.

Snow began falling across much of the area on Friday. Several feet of snow is expected in areas off the lake, including southern Erie County and Chautauqua County. The highest lake effect potential will primarily target higher elevation areas south of RT. 20A from Friday. Lake snow will begin across Chautauqua County this evening through Friday morning and continue through the weekend.

Those heading north from Buffalo can expect to encounter snow later Saturday with only small amounts. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph are expected Friday and Saturday, resulting in whiteout conditions.

A Code Blue was put in effect for Friday evening in Erie County and the city of Buffalo. The following accommodation options are open:

• 586 Genesee St., Buffalo, NY, 14204 – Open 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m
• Dulski Center, 129 Lewis St., Buffalo, NY, 14206 – Open 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m

The following day warming center is open on Saturday:

• 586 Genesee St., Buffalo, NY, 14204

To view the full 4Warn weather forecast, click here.