Tourists bound for New York’s Erie County, including Buffalo and the surrounding communities, are facing a stretch of intense winter weather as a multi day lake effect storm brings heavy snow, bitter cold and hazardous travel conditions to one of the state’s most visited regions.

With a travel advisory in effect for the county and a winter storm watch and warnings issued by the National Weather Service for Western New York, visitors arriving around the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and into the early week will need to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, possible disruptions and delays, and periods when nonessential road travel is strongly discouraged.

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What Is Happening With the Storm System

The latest alerts from the National Weather Service office in Buffalo describe a prolonged lake effect event affecting Erie County and neighboring counties from the evening of Sunday, January 18, through at least Wednesday, January 21. Forecasters warn of heavy lake effect snow bands forming off Lake Erie, with potential accumulations of 7 inches or more in the most persistent bands across Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Winds gusting up to 45 or even 50 miles per hour are expected to accompany the snow, producing blowing and drifting that significantly reduces visibility and worsens road conditions.

In an “urgent” winter storm warning covering western and northern New York, including Buffalo, Orchard Park, Springville, Jamestown and other communities popular with visitors, meteorologists anticipate totals of 10 to 20 inches of snow through Wednesday, with the heaviest amounts focused on higher terrain such as the Chautauqua Ridge, the Boston Hills and the Buffalo Southtowns. At times, snowfall rates could reach up to 2 inches per hour, creating near whiteout conditions in localized but intense snow bands that can quickly shift position along the Lake Erie shore and inland corridors.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has highlighted the potential for this lake effect episode to be compounded by an arctic air mass dropping into the region, warning that wind chills of 10 to 20 degrees below zero early in the week could amplify the impacts of any power outages and make time outdoors dangerous for anyone without adequate winter gear. State agencies have pre positioned plows, emergency response teams and utility crews across Western New York in anticipation of downed limbs, scattered outages and difficult driving on major routes.

Travel Advisories and Restrictions in Erie County

On Sunday, January 18, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz issued a countywide travel advisory beginning at 10 p.m., urging both residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel as the lake effect storm intensifies. The advisory, which falls short of a full travel ban, is a clear signal that road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, especially overnight and during the Monday and Tuesday commuting periods. Authorities emphasize that while major highways and the New York State Thruway will be plowed, visibility inside heavy bands may drop to near zero with little warning.

The travel advisory means that tourists who can postpone driving, particularly in the hardest hit southern and eastern suburbs of Buffalo, are strongly encouraged to do so. Local officials stress that necessary travel should be done with fully winterized vehicles equipped with snow tires where possible, as well as a basic survival kit that includes blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger. Even routes that appear manageable in one moment can become treacherous minutes later as a lake effect band shifts north or south.

State officials note that in past events of similar intensity, targeted travel bans have been used for portions of Erie County if conditions worsen to the point where plows and emergency vehicles cannot safely operate. Although no blanket ban is in place as of January 19, tourists should closely monitor announcements from county authorities and the Governor’s office, as restrictions may change quickly if whiteout conditions become widespread. Travelers on the New York State Thruway should also be aware that, during severe episodes, commercial vehicle restrictions and closures between Rochester and the Pennsylvania line have been implemented in recent years to reduce pileups and jackknifed trucks.

How Flights, Trains and Buses May Be Affected

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is accustomed to winter weather and is equipped with robust snow removal operations, but heavy lake effect bands and high winds can still slow the pace of arrivals and departures. When visibility drops and crosswinds increase, airlines may introduce ground holds, reroutes or delays, particularly during the busiest morning and evening bank of flights. Visitors flying into Buffalo between January 19 and January 21 should expect that schedules can change with little notice and should build extra time into any onward journeys by road.

Regional airports serving Niagara Falls and other Western New York destinations may experience similar impacts, although flight volume is lower than in Buffalo. Airlines typically issue waivers during significant storm events that allow passengers to change flights without additional fees, and travelers are advised to check directly with their carrier’s app or customer service rather than relying solely on airport departure boards. Those arriving late at night or in the early morning may face the added challenge of limited ground transport options once they land.

Intercity bus and rail services into Erie County, including routes from New York City, Toronto, Cleveland and other major hubs, can also be affected by lake effect storms. Companies sometimes cancel or consolidate departures when sections of the Thruway or regional highways become hazardous, while trains may experience reduced speeds and delays where blowing snow affects signals and track conditions. Tourists planning to connect from Buffalo to smaller communities in Chautauqua County, Ski Country or the Southern Tier should be prepared for sudden schedule adjustments, and should confirm reservations shortly before departure.

Conditions on the Roads and Around Key Tourist Areas

The greatest impacts from this storm are expected across the southern and eastern halves of Erie County, including the Buffalo Southtowns and areas along the Chautauqua Ridge where ski resorts, snowmobile trails and winter cabins attract visitors. Here, local totals may climb into the range of a foot or more of snow, with strong winds creating drifts that obscure lane markings and bury parked vehicles. Rural routes, secondary roads, and exposed stretches of highway are particularly vulnerable to blowing and drifting, even after plows have passed.

Buffalo’s downtown core and waterfront districts may see somewhat lower accumulations when bands set up to the south, but the city can still be hit hard when the lake effect plume briefly shifts north. For tourists visiting cultural attractions, sports venues or the city’s resurgent restaurant scene, that means conditions may look manageable in the city center while suburbs just a short drive away are struggling with severe whiteouts. Local officials caution against assuming that weather at one point in the metro area reflects the situation countywide.

Popular day trip destinations such as Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park and the wineries of the Niagara and Lake Erie regions are also under threat of accumulating snow and occasional gale force gusts. Outdoor viewing areas, hiking trails and scenic overlooks may be icy, and some facilities could reduce hours or temporarily close sections if walkways become unsafe. Visitors hoping to drive scenic routes should keep in mind that blowing snow off open fields and frozen lake surfaces can quickly coat roadways and reduce traction, even in areas where heavy accumulation is limited.

Health and Safety Risks From Extreme Cold

Beyond the travel disruption, the combination of Arctic air and strong winds forecast for early in the week presents health risks for anyone spending significant time outdoors without proper protection. Meteorologists warn that wind chills may drop to between 10 and 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit at times, particularly overnight and during the early morning hours on Monday and Tuesday. In such conditions, exposed skin can be at risk of frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, and hypothermia becomes a concern for anyone not adequately layered or who becomes wet from snow.

Tourists, especially those unaccustomed to severe winter climates, should ensure they have insulated, waterproof footwear, thermal layers, a hat, scarf, and gloves, and a wind resistant outer shell before venturing out. It is important to limit the duration of outdoor sightseeing or photography sessions, and to retreat indoors frequently to warm up. Parents traveling with children should be particularly cautious, as young travelers may be more susceptible to cold stress and may not recognize the early warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

Public health officials also caution that icy sidewalks, curb cuts and parking lots can increase the risk of slips and falls. Visitors walking between hotels, transit stops and attractions should use designated, cleared paths where possible, move slowly, and wear footwear with good traction. For those with existing heart or respiratory conditions, strenuous activity such as shoveling snow or carrying heavy luggage through deep snowdrifts in frigid air can pose additional dangers and should be avoided or delegated where possible.

What Tourists Should Do Before and During Their Trip

Travel planners recommend that anyone scheduled to arrive in Erie County over the coming days closely monitor both the weather forecast and official advisories right up to the time of departure. If itineraries are flexible, some visitors may wish to adjust arrival or departure dates to avoid the peak of the storm, particularly if their plans depend on long drives through rural areas or on tight connections between flights and ground transport. Many airlines, hotels and rental car companies have introduced more flexible change policies around severe weather, and reaching out in advance can often lead to fee waivers or rebooking options.

For those who decide to proceed with their trip, preparation is key. Visitors planning to drive should confirm that their rental vehicles are suitable for winter conditions and should request snow clearing tools such as a brush and ice scraper. Keeping the fuel tank at least half full reduces the risk of becoming stranded with limited heating ability, and a small in car kit with water, snacks, a blanket and a portable phone charger provides added peace of mind. Tourists staying in vacation rentals or cabins in more remote areas should ask property managers about plowing arrangements and access roads, and should have a backup plan if the final approach becomes impassable.

Once in Erie County, checking local radio, television and municipal social media channels at least twice daily can help visitors stay abreast of shifting snow bands, crash related road closures and any new travel restrictions. Adjusting daily plans on short notice, such as swapping a planned day trip for indoor activities in Buffalo or Niagara Falls, can keep the trip enjoyable while avoiding risky drives. When in doubt, local hotel staff and visitor centers are valuable sources of up to the minute information about neighborhood conditions and safe routes.

Looking Ahead: How Long the Disruptions May Last

Forecasters currently expect the most significant lake effect snowfall to continue through at least Tuesday afternoon, January 20, with the potential for additional lighter snow showers and persistent cold lingering into midweek. Because lake effect bands can pivot and re form over the same areas repeatedly, snow totals can vary widely over short distances, and localized travel problems may persist even after main highways and urban streets have been cleared. Snow piles and narrowed lanes can also complicate parking and pedestrian access around popular attractions for several days.

The intense cold expected behind the storm means that snow and ice are unlikely to melt quickly. Even as skies clear at times, untreated surfaces may remain slick, and wind can continue to blow powdery snow across open stretches of road and sidewalk. For tourism operators and event organizers, that may translate into staggered reopening schedules as staff work to dig out properties, secure outdoor fixtures and inspect roofs and gutters for ice buildup. Visitors checking event calendars and attraction opening hours should confirm directly with venues, as schedules may change on short notice.

Despite the current disruptions, Western New York’s tourism industry is experienced in dealing with severe winter weather, and many hotels, restaurants and cultural institutions plan to remain open with modified operations whenever it is safe to do so. Once the most hazardous bands move away and roads are fully treated, the fresh snow can transform Erie County’s landscapes, parks and ski areas into classic winter scenes that many travelers come to experience. For now, however, tourists are being urged to place safety above all else, remain flexible with itineraries, and give road and emergency crews the space and time they need to manage this latest round of lake effect snow.