Heavy snow will begin in Northern Cattaraugus County tonight, January 19. Between 1-2 feet of snow expected with a snowfall rate of 1 inch per hour at times. Heavy snow will begin in Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego Counties Monday afternoon, January 20. Between 2-3 feet of snow expected with snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour at times. Visibility will be low and travel will become dangerous. Temperatures will feel as low as 15-20 degrees below zero during this time. Winds of 25-35 mph are expected which may knock down trees and power lines. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Cattaraugus County until Wednesday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Oswego County until Wednesday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Jefferson and Lewis Counties until Wednesday, January 22, at 7:00 a.m. Please see the following link for more information on the Weather Warnings: https://alerts.weather.gov/search?area=NY

• Avoid travel if possible. Expect delays and closures. If you can’t avoid traveling: clean off your vehicle before driving. Drive slow, and don’t use cruise control. Roads can be slick even if they just look wet. Leave extra distance between vehicles and don’t crowd the plows!
• Practice safe shoveling: Dress warmly, stay hydrated, move only small amounts of snow, and take frequent breaks.
• If you’re stranded in a vehicle, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by running the motor for 10 minutes every hour. While your car is running, open the windows slightly for fresh air. Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms. If no help is available, the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids along with dry clothing and blankets.
• Tips to operate generators safely: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/generator-safety