(WXXI News & AP) The snow and cold continues today. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Monroe and Wayne Counties through 6:00 a.m. on Friday.
The heaviest snow is expected to fall midday Thursday. Several inches were on the ground in most places around the Rochester area by midday Thursday morning, and another few inches are expected later Thursday afternoon, with another 3 to 5 inches possible on Thursday night. More than a foot of snow had fallen by Thursday afternoon in many places around Rochester, especially near Lake Ontario.
Storm totals generally will range from 8 to 14 inches around our region.
There is also a wind chill advisory from 4pm on Thursday to Noon on Friday, with northeast winds of 15 to 25mph creating a wind chill as low as 20 below zero at times.
The impact of the winter storm has cancelled several flights at the Rochester airport. You can check the airport flight status here.
There were numerous accidents on area expressways during the Thursday morning commute, although traffic was a little lighter than usual due to most schools still being on holiday, and some workers still on vacation.
Travel is expected to be very difficult at times with snow covered roads and poor visibility. Stay tuned to 1370 WXXI and wxxinews.org for updates.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is urging downstate commuters to leave their cars home in case major highways are closed for Thursday's evening rush hours.
In a conference call Wednesday, Cuomo told reporters a storm system approaching from the west could drop a foot of snow on upstate New York — while a coastal storm may bring heavy snow to New York City and blizzard conditions to Long Island.
Cuomo said "mass transportation is a prudent option, given that highways may be closed."
