National Weather Service Meteorologist Kirk Apffel described the storm as “a lake-enhanced prolonged snow event,” which has the capability of producing some big snowfall totals. Apffel went on to say, “we’re expecting one to two feet of snow by the end of (Tuesday night) and (today).”

The roads in Northern Chautauqua County are proving difficult for travel as well. State police Captain Eric Balon reported “there are lots of accidents. We had traffic backed up in Cassadaga while several tractor trailers were stuck.”

The accident has since been cleared and the roads salted, but the area, like many of those already hit hardest, still has a ways to go before the snow lets up. Balon also stated, “The storm hit the Northern part of the county harder.”

On Fredonia-Stockton Road, a tractor trailer went sideways near BOCES, while another veered off I-90 a few miles before the Dunkirk/Fredonia exit. These accidents paint a clear picture that even the heartiest of vehicles should never underestimate the severity of Western New York weather.

OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Pictured is traffic backed up on Route 60.

With totals like “8.5 inches in Forestville and 10 inches in Perrysburg as of (Tuesday) morning,” we’re also looking out for more “elevation dependent snow” said Apffel, summing up the current state of the storm.

Residents closer to the lakeshore may have noticed things are a bit greener, while those in the foothills are getting the full brunt of the white stuff. However, with whipping winds and some form of sleet cracking against one’s face seemingly everywhere, it’s clear all of the Northern Chautauqua area is going to get hit with something before the warning ends this evening.

Photo by Michael Rukavina A semi truck jackknifed on Route 380 near the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-BOCES building.