The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter storm watch from Wednesday night into Friday afternoon.

Low pressure off of the coast will intensify Thursday spreading widespread snow northwestward into Western New York beginning early Thursday morning. This system will be a slow mover so snowfall amounts are likely to approach the one foot mark in some areas.

Making things worse, a tightening pressure gradient will allow winds to increase creating areas of blowing snow which will lead to whiteout conditions making driving difficult. Be prepared to give yourself plenty of extra time on the roads on Thursday and Friday.