A winter storm warning will be in effect starting Monday and ending in the new year.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is expected with total accumulations of 1 to 2 feet. Winds will be gusting as high as 65 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and whiteout conditions in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties.

It is to be in effect from 1 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Friday.

Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact travel through the week.

Lake effect snow is expected oscillate several times downwind of Lake Erie this week. Forecast snowfall amounts could be much higher where lake bands persist during this long duration event. The strongest winds will be Monday and Monday night.