Blizzard Warnings Issued for NY Areas as Bitter Cold, Strong Winds Blanket NJ

A blizzard warning has been issued for areas of upstate New York along the Lake Ontario shore as arctic air and high winds bring potentially dangerous wind chills to the region.

The National Weather Service says blizzard warnings are in effect until 1 a.m. Friday for an area stretching along the lake’s south shore from just east of Rochester to Oswego. Forecasters say lake-effect snow will be accompanied by winds of 30 mph to 50 mph that could gust as high as 65 mph in some areas.

Storms that began Wednesday have already dumped a foot of snow on parts of the Buffalo area, where dozens of schools south and east of the city have canceled classes Thursday.  Meteorologists say dangerous wind chill forecasts of 20 below to 30 below are predicted for some upstate areas.

Meanwhile, New Jersey is plunging into a deep freeze as bitter Arctic air and strong winds push into the state. Wind gusts could approach 40 mph Thursday, making temperatures feel like they are well below zero. Light snow fell over a portion of the state early Thursday, causing road crews to salt highways. Snow squalls also are possible.

Forecasters say snow will likely overspread the state on Friday night before it transitions into a wintry mix on Shabbos. Slippery driving conditions are possible.