Heavy Rain in the Appalachians and Central Gulf Coast; Heat Continues in the West; Monitoring the Tropics

Heavy to excessive rainfall over the southern Appalachians and portions of the central Gulf Coast may bring areas of flooding today. Hot temperatures are in place through today across much of the western U.S. and New England. Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to become a Major Hurricane this weekend as it moves across the central Atlantic Ocean. Monitor future forecasts for any East Coast impacts. Read More >

Western New York Weather History

JANUARY 2

1995

Arctic air crossing Lake Erie combined with ideal atmospheric conditions to produce intense lake effect snow squalls. The squalls persisted for over three days (from the 2nd to the 5th) meandering north and south across the area downwind of the lake. Dozens of minor accidents were blamed on slippery conditions, but there were no serious injuries. Numerous meetings and other evening events were canceled across the region. Actual snowfall totals -in inches - from the 2nd to the 5th included: Holland 41; Colden 37; Silver Creek 29; Wales 26; Strykersville and Eden 24; Arcade 18; Warsaw 17; Buffalo and Tonawanda 14; Alden and Orchard Park 9; and West Seneca and Lockport 8.

1999

2ND-3RD…An intensifying storm over the Southern Plains moved northeast spreading a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain across the area. Several inches of snow were followed by sleet and freezing rain. In some areas, especially east of Lake Ontario, an unprecedented four to five inches of sleet fell. The wintry precipitation stalled traffic and forced schools to extend the holiday break a few more days. Numerous automobile accidents, several with injuries, were blamed on the storm.