Weather History for February 15

News Headlines

Western New York Weather History

FEBRUARY 15

1990

A nearly stationary front extended from Kentucky to Virginia. Moist air was lifted over the front and fell as snow and, in some areas, freezing rain. Snowfall ranging from four to ten inches extended in a band from Buffalo, across Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Some reports included: 10" at Buffalo, 7" at Fulton; and 5" at Pulaski. Schools closed throughout the Finger Lakes Region. State Police reported numerous accidents and stalled and disabled vehicles. The Monroe County Airport at Rochester closed briefly due to the snow. Over some sections of western New York the snow changed to freezing rain which downed utility lines, snapped trees, and caused extensive damage. The majority of schools in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Niagara and Orleans counties were closed due to the potentially hazardous road conditions. An estimated 40,000 customers were without power in Niagara and Orleans counties. Ice coatings ranged from one-half to one inch thick. A ten-car pileup on the south Grand Island Bridge was blamed on the icy road conditions. States of emergency were declared in the Towns of Lyndonville, Orleans county, and North Tonawanda, Niagara county.

1991

Deep low pressure north of New York State brought a northwest flow of arctic air to the area producing lake effect snow squall southeast of Lakes Erie and Ontario. The heavy snow reduced visibilities and was blamed for many auto accidents. Reports included: Niagara county—Lockport 6-8", Olcott 9"; Erie county---Orchard Park 3-6"; Monroe county—Brockport 9"; Oswego county—Pulaski 4-6"; and Chautauqua county—Mayville 13".

2007

15th-16th...This relatively modest lake effect event followed closely behind a widespread regional snowfall. A northwest flow followed this storm and set up some narrow but intense bands from far northeast Wayne County into Oswego County. The activity weakened and sheared out by mid morning of 16th as wind fields became unfavorable. The event was brief and localized, but did drop some heavy snow. Specific reports included: Palermo 16”; Fair Haven 15”; and Hannibal 14”.