ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL ACUS11 KWNS 241302 SPC MCD 241302 NYZ000-241900- Mesoscale Discussion 2072 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0702 AM CST Sat Dec 24 2022 Areas affected...Western New York State Concerning...Blizzard Valid 241302Z - 241900Z SUMMARY...Snowfall rates around 2" per hour and blizzard conditions are expected to persist across southern Niagara and northern Erie counties through the afternoon. DISCUSSION...A lake-effect snow band has persisted throughout the night and into this morning across southern Niagara and northern Erie counties. The most intense portion of the band is currently along the Niagara/Erie county border, where snowfall rates up to 2" per hour are possible. Very strong winds are occurring in this region as well, leading to persistent blizzard conditions. Surface observations from BUF reveal blizzard conditions have been ongoing since around 14Z yesterday. Expectation is for the lake-effect band and strong winds to persist throughout the morning and afternoon. Some steepening of the low-level lapse rates (i.e. surface to around 850-mb) is anticipated over the next few hours. This could lead to slightly higher snowfall rates. Additionally, surface wind may trend a bit more westerly north of Lake Erie, contributing to a southward shift of the snowband. This southward shift will likely begin early this afternoon before then consolidating this evening. ..Mosier.. 12/24/2022 ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product... ATTN...WFO...BUF... LAT...LON 42777891 42947890 43087903 43197899 43237879 43207864 43047850 42867852 42807867 42777891 NNNN