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Residents in Buffalo, New York, are bracing for a potentially historic winter storm that could dump up to six feet of snow in some areas. In addition to the heavy snow, the storm is also bringing frigid temperatures that are forecast to be 20 degrees below normal.
Heavy lake-effect snow has been falling across western and northern New York since Thursday (November 17) night, and the storm is expected to continue into the weekend.
"This will produce near zero visibility, nearly impossible travel, damage to infrastructure, and paralyze the hardest-hit communities," the National Weather Service said.
By Friday morning, Buffalo was already reporting more than a foot of snow. The largest snowfall total was recorded in Hamburg, where 37 inches of snow was measured.
In Orchard Park, where the Buffalo Bills play, 36 inches of snow has fallen. The Bills were forced to move Sunday's home game against the Cleveland Browns to Detroit due to the winter storm.
Officials in Erie County issued a driving ban due to the storm.
"Due to the imminent storm, a State of Emergency has been declared for Erie County. A Driving Ban will be in effect for ALL of Erie County as of 9 PM. Only those authorized for emergency travel are to drive," Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted.