This is to account for the chance for multiple lake effect snow bands that could develop and bring heavy snow. 1-2 feet of snow, at least, could fall during this timeframe and lead to travel impacts.

A favorable weather pattern will develop by the end of the week that could cause a prolonged period of cold air over a warm Lake Erie. The lake is currently quite warm and just measured a record warm temperature for the date Sunday at 55 degrees. The temperature difference between the warm lake and cold air, plus a favorable wind direction reinforced by several systems passing to the north of Buffalo, could allow for several bands of lake effect snow showers to develop between Thursday and Sunday.

The National Weather Service reported that one to two feet of snow or more is possible in persistent lake effect snow bands. However, there is significant uncertainty about where lake effect bands will be, but multiple periods of heavy snow are possible. This includes the Buffalo metro area.