Rain, freezing temperatures to complicate clean-up efforts in Buffalo
Digital Reporter
Thursday, November 20, 2014, 3:48 PM -
Buffalo is facing a series of weather-related problems following an historic storm that dumped more than 160 centimetres of snow on some communities.
Now, another round of snow is targering the region, bringing an additional 60-90 centimetres of precipitation.
The good news is that the strongest bands of snow are south of the areas hardest hit by Tuesday's storm.
WINTER OUTLOOK: We're unveiling our preview of the coming season on Monday at 9 p.m. Eastern. Tune in to The Weather Network on TV!
The bad news is that a rapid warm-up is targeting the area, followed by two rounds of rain, which will bog down snow and elevate flood concerns.
A few days later temperatures will fall, threatening to freeze over the melted snow.
RAINY WEEKEND AHEAD
"Rain is expected to enter the Buffalo area Saturday morning," says Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg.
"There isn't much accumulation expected -- about 10-15 mm total -- but that could cause problems for places that have seen a lot of snow this week."
Cheektowaga, for example, could have 180 cm of snow on the ground by the time the rain hits and that -- combined with double-digit daily highs -- stands to make a mess of roadways.
"The snow will likely absorb a lot of the rain, and that will make it heavy and difficult to move," says Weather Network meteorologist Erin Wenckstern.
"The added weight of the watercould be strong enough to damage roofs, eavestroughs and cars if it isn't removed."
RELATED: Buffalo snow: By the numbers
Residents are being advised to displace snow ahead of the rainfall -- provided it is safe to do so.
Moving snow -- especially when it is heavy -- can cause injury.
"Try to use a snowblower or hire a professional if you're unable to shovel," Wenckstern suggests.
Creeks, rivers and sewer systems are at risk of flooding over the weekend.
FREEZING TEMPERATURES TO FOLLOW
Temperatures are expected to return to freezing Wednesday into Thursday, turning any precipitation that hasn't melted into ice.
"Roads could be slick," Sonnenburg warns.
"Motorists should slow down and leave extra time."
On Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters that Buffalo is in the midst of an "extraordinary situation," adding that it will "get worse before it gets better."
Photo of the Buffalo storm, as seen from Ridgeway Ont. on Wednesday. Courtesy: Wendy Teal
