On Friday at 1:30 a.m. the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch valid from Saturday 7 a.m. until Monday 1 a.m. for Southern Erie as well as Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.

The weather service describes, "Heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 7 inches or more possible in the most persistent lake snows. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow."

"Travel could be difficult with snow covered roads and poor visibility," states the weather service. "Narrow bands of heavy snow could bring rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities. Localized travel problems will be possible."

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