Heavy Rain From the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic; Heat Wave Begins This Weekend

Strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy rain will impact portions of the central Plains into the Upper Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic through the weekend. A stretch of unusually hot and humid weather is expected across portions of the central U.S. and the Southeast beginning this weekend and continuing through next week. The heat may reach dangerous levels, particularly mid to late next week. Read More >

Western New York Weather History

DECEMBER 19

1996

19TH-20TH… Arctic air crossing the warm waters of Lake Erie produced a narrow intense band of lake effect snow. Snowfall rates of two to three inches an hour were common in the band. Parts of the New York State Thruway were closed for more than 12 hours. Thirty to forty cars were stranded near Angola. A state of emergency was declared in Dunkirk and various municipalities imposed driving bans. Many school districts cancelled classes throughout the four county area. Specific snowfall reports included: Gowanda 28"; Boston, Angola and Silver Creek 24"; Hamburg 12-20"; Orchard Park 10-18"; and Elma 10". Also, the arctic air crossing the warm waters of Lake Ontario produced intense lake effect snows. Snowfall rates of four inches per hour were reported. Total snowfall accumulations ranged from 12 to 24 inches over Oswego, Lewis and southern Jefferson counties. Portions of I-81 were closed. Numerous accidents were blamed on the heavy snow and whiteouts. Various activities had to be cancelled because of the snow.

2005

Lake snows began to develop late in the evening of the 18th and intensified overnight. The snows remained nearly stationary until the afternoon hours. Over two feet of snow fell over the Tug Hill. Snowfall totals included: North Osceola 28"; Pulaski 22"; Oswego 14"; and Highmarket 13".