Lake-effect snow predicted south of Buffalo starting Friday afternoon

The NWS says storm totals of 2 to 2 1/2 feet are possible in the most persistent lake snows on the Tug Hill plateau and 12 to 15 inches in persistent lake snows across lower elevations.

Travelers should take note that this lake effect event will impact the Friday evening commute across the southern half of the Buffalo metro area.

Forecasters say while is expected to only receive an inch or two, areas south of the city could get between 8 and 18 inches by Saturday afternoon.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties from 7pm tonight until 10am Friday.

A lake-effect snow advisory is in place from 1 to 10 p.m. Friday for northern Erie and Genesee counties.

In lake effect snow the weather can vary from locally heavy snow in narrow bands to dry weather just a few miles away.

The heaviest snows will fall between Friday night and early Saturday evening.

The snow could start Friday night and continue into Sunday morning. They also said motorists should anticipate rapid changes in road conditions while traveling.

Updates to the forecast will be ongoing, the weather service said.