Weather synopsis: December 9

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING, A LAKE-EFFECT SNOW WARNING AND A LAKE-SHORE FLOOD WARNING FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING/ THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ALSO ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING UNTIL 3:30 PM. Currently in Buffalo, NY the temperature is 46°F with severe thunderstorms. A dynamic storm system is plowing through the region producing severe thunderstorms capable of producing penny size hail and dangerous lightning. This same powerful storm system is winding up over the Great Lakes. Ahead of the storm a surge of warm air will keep the precipitation in the form of rain with heavy rain falling over southern New England including New York City and Long Island. Snow is falling over northern New England and areas east of Lake Ontario. Behind the storm, much colder air will keep the precipitation in the form of snow over the western Great Lakes. Winds will be on the increase as this storm progresses northeast ward. Winds will be sustained at 30-40 MPH gusting up and over 60 MPH off Lake Erie producing flooding along the eastern shores. Along with strong winds, the coldest temperatures of the season will infiltrate the Great Lakes and Northeast throughout the day today. The combination of strong winds and cold air over Lake Erie will set the stage for a significant Lake-Effect snow event particularly for the immediate south towns of Buffalo. Snowfall amounts will be around 5.0" to 11.0" from Buffalo northward. However, heavier amounts for a narrow region just south of the city of Buffalo where snowfall rates of 2" per hour will develop. Snow accumulations of 12.0" to 24.0" are likely with locally heavier amounts. Along with the snow, winds will be howling and Blizzard conditions will develop as the wind whips up the snow that has fallen dropping the visibilities to near whiteout conditions. In addition, strong winds combined with a cold arctic air mass will make temperatures feel much colder. Windchill advisories may be posted as windchill values drop to near 0°F. The snow showers will linger through Friday but the cold air will stay in place. This cold air infiltration will produce additional chances of snow for days to come for the Northeast and Great Lakes.