The Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) has issued a Snow Squall Warning for a number of counties throughout New York State as intense bands of snow sweep quickly throughout the area this Sunday morning.
The fast-moving squall, packing sturdy winds and close to whiteout circumstances, is anticipated to severely affect journey in affected areas, with near-zero visibility and slick roadways making circumstances perilous.
Warning Issued for Six New York Counties
As of 10:13 AM EST on January 11, 2026, the NWS in Buffalo formally launched a Snow Squall Warning for:
- Allegany County
- Cattaraugus County
- Livingston County
- Monroe County
- Ontario County
- Wyoming County
The snow squall is shifting east at 30 mph, and can stay in impact till not less than 11:15 AM EST, in accordance with the alert.
The climate occasion is characterised by:
- Intense bursts of heavy snow
- Wind gusts as much as 35 mph
- Quickly falling visibility
- Harmful street circumstances inside minutes
Highways Impacted
Vacationers are urged to train excessive warning or keep away from driving totally throughout the warning interval. Key highways affected embody:
- Interstate 390 (between exits 4 and 11)
- Interstate 90 (between exits 44 and 46)
- Interstate 86 (close to exit 33)
Native cities and landmarks within the path of the snow squall embody Geneseo, Dansville, Letchworth State Park, Perry, Warsaw, Avon, Mount Morris, Victor, Honeoye Falls, and Conesus.
Meteorological Snapshot
Radar imaging from the NWS reveals a sturdy band of snow extending from close to Caledonia to simply south of Arcade. The entrance is producing bursts of snow heavy sufficient to carry visibility to underneath 1 / 4 of a mile in some places, compounded by gusty winds and blowing snow.
A meteorologist on the Nationwide Climate Service in Buffalo commented, “This can be a textbook snow squall — transient, however intense. It might probably change driving circumstances from clear to lethal in simply seconds. Drivers want to cut back velocity instantly and keep alert.”
Simultaneous Snow Squall in Northern Pennsylvania
In a associated growth, a related snow squall warning was additionally issued at 10:29 AM EST by the NWS workplace in State Faculty, PA. This alert covers Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties in northern Pennsylvania — bordering components of western New York.
That squall is shifting east at 35 mph and impacting areas like Johnsonburg, Port Allegany, Smethport, and East Department Dam, with related hazards reported: gusty winds, heavy snow, and visibility underneath a quarter-mile.
“Noticed snow squall circumstances have been reported by educated climate spotters in Potter County,” in accordance with NWS information launched with the warning.
Public Urged to Take Instant Security Measures
The Nationwide Climate Service has issued clear directions to the general public:
“Gradual Down! Speedy adjustments in visibility and street circumstances are anticipated with this harmful snow squall. Be alert for sudden whiteout circumstances.”
This isn’t a typical snowfall. Snow squalls are short-lived, however they are often simply as harmful as a blizzard in the case of roadway visibility and accident threat.
Understanding the Dangers of Snow Squalls
In contrast to extended snowstorms, snow squalls are localized and intense, typically catching commuters off guard. They usually happen behind sturdy chilly fronts, when arctic air rushes into an space, triggering explosive snow growth alongside a line.
Meteorologists evaluate snow squalls to summer time thunderstorms — fast-moving, intense, and able to producing excessive native results over a brief length. However as a substitute of heavy rain and lightning, snow squalls ship blinding snow, sharp temperature drops, and wind gusts.
In response to the NWS glossary, snow squalls can result in multi-car pileups on highways due to their sudden onset and severely lowered visibility.
What You Ought to Do Throughout a Snow Squall
In the event you’re caught on the street throughout certainly one of these squalls, comply with these NWS-recommended security steps:
- Don’t slam in your brakes. Regularly cut back velocity to keep away from skidding.
- Keep away from passing automobiles. Keep in your lane and keep a protected distance.
- Use low-beam headlights. Excessive beams can replicate snowflakes and worsen visibility.
- Pull over safely if wanted. Attempt to exit the freeway or pull right into a relaxation cease if circumstances deteriorate.
Climate Outlook for the Remainder of the Day
The snow squall is anticipated to move shortly, however temperatures will stay frigid all through Sunday throughout western and central New York. The arctic air mass behind the entrance will hold highs within the higher teenagers to low 20s, with wind chills dipping into the only digits by afternoon.
Localized snow accumulation from the squall might be minor — usually lower than an inch — however the affect to visibility and street security stays excessive.
In Abstract
- Snow Squall Warning lively till 11:15 AM EST
- Counties affected: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wyoming
- Hazards: Intense snow, gusty winds, whiteout circumstances
- Journey on main highways is harmful and discouraged
- Temperatures stay chilly post-squall with biting wind chills
As at all times, residents are inspired to monitor updates from the Nationwide Climate Service through climate.gov, native media retailers, and official social media channels for evolving info.
Keep indoors if doable, and in case you should journey, drive slowly, use excessive warning, and stay alert to altering street and climate circumstances.
