The National Weather Service has issued active snow squall warnings across much of western New York, with dangerous travel conditions developing Tuesday afternoon.
One snow squall warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee and northwestern Monroe counties. A second warning remains active until 5 p.m. for Monroe County, eastern Genesee County, northern Livingston County and northwestern Ontario County.
Forecasters say the fast-moving snow squalls are producing intense bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds up to 20 mph and rapidly falling visibility, which may drop to near zero within minutes. The squalls are moving east at approximately 30 mph.
Travel is becoming hazardous on major roadways, including Interstate 90 between exits 45 and 57 and Interstate 390 between exits 9 and 12, where sudden whiteout conditions are possible.
Cities and towns currently impacted include Rochester, Buffalo, Greece, Irondequoit, Batavia, Webster, Fairport, Cheektowaga, Lockport and North Tonawanda, among others.
Drivers are urged to slow down, turn on headlights and be prepared for rapidly changing road and visibility conditions as the snow squalls move through the region.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Snow squall warnings issued for upstate NY as whiteout conditions develop
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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