Blizzard Cripples Buffalo, Threatens Sunday’s Bills Game
A powerful winter storm has slammed into New York State, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in 11 counties, including Erie County which encompasses Buffalo.
The National Weather Service predicts accumulations of 1 to 2 feet of snow in the hardest-hit areas east of Lake Erie, with Watertown and Jefferson County enduring a particularly intense band of snowfall at rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour.
“An additional one to two feet of snow [30 è 60 centimeters] is possible in the most stable bands," the National Weather Service in Buffalo warned on social media platform X. "A low pressure system will continue to produce three to four inches [7 to 10 centimeters] per hour in Watertown and Jefferson County."
Lake Effect Snow will continue east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario today. An additional 1-2 feet of snow is possible in the more stable bands. An intense band of lake effects across Watertown and Jefferson County will continue to produce rates of 3-4 inches per hour today. pic.twitter.com/MshpByGGim
– NWS Buffalo (@NWSBUFFALO) December 1, 2024
The massive snowfall has prompted the New York State Department of Transportation to urge residents to stay at home and limit unnecessary travel. Driving restrictions are also in place for commercial vehicles on various roads.
Adding to the growing concern, the New York Times reports that Buffalo could receive up to 20 inches of snow by Sunday evening, potentially disrupting the highly anticipated clash between the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
The national guard has been mobilized to assist in both New York and Pennsylvania as the region faces this intense blizzard.
This article has been expanded to provide further context and details about the ongoing winter storm’s impact on the Buffalo region.
2024-12-01 15:48:00
#York #State #declares #snow #emergency
## expert Interview: Blizzard’s Impact on Buffalo and the Bills game
**December 1, 2024**
The city of Buffalo is in the grip of a powerful lake-effect snowstorm, raising concerns about travel disruptions, power outages, and potential impacts on Sunday’s highly anticipated NFL matchup between the Buffalo Bills and San francisco 49ers.
To understand the severity of the situation and its potential ramifications, World-Today-News.com spoke with **Dr. Emily Carter, a meteorologist specializing in lake-effect snowfall at State University of New York at Buffalo.**
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, can you describe the meteorological conditions behind this intense snowstorm hitting Buffalo?
**Dr. carter:** we’re seeing classic lake-effect snowfall fueled by the temperature contrast between the surprisingly warm waters of lake erie and the frigid air mass moving in from the north. This sets up a powerful instability where moist air rises rapidly over the lake, cooling and condensing into heavy snow bands. The wind direction is also crucial, funneling these bands directly towards Buffalo and surrounding areas.
**WTN:** The National Weather Service predicts up to 20 inches of snow by Sunday evening in Buffalo. How unusual is this amount of snowfall for this time of year?
**Dr.Carter:** Buffalo is known for its snow, but this kind of accumulation in early December is certainly on the higher end. This much snow in a short period can be overwhelming for infrastructure and emergency services.
**WTN:** Beyond the immediate impact on daily life, what are the potential repercussions of this storm?
**Dr. Carter:** Power outages are a major concern as heavy, wet snow can weigh down power lines and tree branches. Road closures and travel disruptions are also unavoidable, perhaps affecting both local residents and visitors coming for the Bills game.
**WTN:** Speaking of the game, how might this storm impact the Buffalo Bills against the San Francisco 49ers?
**Dr.Carter:** It might very well be a significant factor. Heavy snow can make travel and planning difficult for both teams, and playing conditions on the field itself will be challenging.Visibility will be reduced, and the field could be slippery and unpredictable.
**WTN:** What can residents and visitors do to stay safe during this storm?
**Dr. Carter:** The most significant thing is to heed the warnings of local authorities and the National Weather Service. Avoid unnecessary travel if possible. If you must go out, dress warmly in layers, and be sure to have emergency supplies in your vehicle. Check on your neighbors, especially elderly individuals, to ensure they have what they need.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers during this critical time.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure.Stay safe, Buffalo!
