weather

There are still patches left of fall color, such as along the Tonawanda Creek behind the County Courthouse.

Watch for slick roads and sidewalks early this morning because of a bit of snow that may fall over the area, according to the National Weather Service.

The surfaces of bridges and overpasses are more likely to acquire temperatures closer to freezing, so are more likely to be slick.

The snow will change to sleet and then rain over the course of the morning.

A storm passing through Western New York today could bring as much as two inches of rain to Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service.

A flash flood watch has been issued locally because of the potential for rapidly rising water in populated areas, especially along feeder streams.

The watch is in effect until 4 p.m.

The NWS reports that an elongated low-pressure zone over West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania is directing widespread soaking rain to zones north from the Southern Tier across the Genesee River Valley and Finger Lakes to the Eastern Lake Ontario region.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a wind advisory, in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18. It specifically cites Northern Genesee County and the City of Batavia.

Winds are predicted to be 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph.

Strong winds may cause minor property damage and power outages. Remember to secure any loose objects that can easily be blown around by wind.

A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are forecasted to be 31 to 39 mph or gusts ranging between 46 and 57 mph. Winds of these magnitudes may cause minor property damages unless extra precautions are taken.

Motorists in high profile vehicles should use caution until the winds subside.

A blue sky and fall colors starting to pop in the BJ's parking lot in Batavia.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Genesee County until 8:15 p.m.

The storm was located in Clarence and is moving northeast at 50 mph.

Wind gusts of 60 mph and penny-size hail are possible hazards due to the storm. These can damage roofs, siding and trees.

Specifically mentioned are Batavia, Darien Lakes State Park, Le Roy and Pembroke, including the Thruway between exits 48A and 47.

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 4:45 p.m. today. The northwestern portion of Genesee County is included in this warning for Western New York. Oakfield is specifically cited in Genesee County.

Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Lockport to near Pendleton, moving east at 40 mph.

Hazards include 60-mph wind gusts and nickel-size hail, which can damage roofs, siding and trees among other things. Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud-to-ground lighting is occurring with these storms. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to flash flooding. The storms have been producing more than one and a half inches of rain in less than one hour. Do not drive through flooded roadways.

Remember, if you are close enough to hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move indoors immediately. For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

There isn't much water flowing in the Tonawanda Creek, but the blue heron are still there hunting for meals.

Genesee County, like the rest of Western New York, is officially in a drought warning, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

That means there are no official restrictions on water use, but residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily conserve.

Tim Hens, whose responsibilities include, as county highway superintendent, watching over the county's water supply, said the county and city discussed issuing a water advisory, but decided that doesn't appear to be necessary and probably won't be necessary through the summer, even if no significant rain arrives before winter.

"We haven't had more than an inch of rain in a single day since October of last year," Hens said. "That's a long time for Western New York."

He said this is the dryest summer with the most consecutive sunny days he can remember in 45 years as a county resident.

"Unfortunately, we're probably already past the point of no return for farmers," he said.

Hens said current reserves and the available water from the Monroe County Water Authority gives the county, and by extension, the city, enough water to meet current needs and he doesn't anticipate a spike in demand.

"Most people seem to have given up on their lawns," he said.

The low water level at DeWitt Recreation Area has created a wide land bridge to the lake's island. The land bridge has been exposed all summer and the first time it's appeared in several years. The current level is just 3 inches above the record low, a record set in 2001.

The long-range forecast calls for a pretty snowy winter.

Genesee County is officially in a moderate drought condition and it's having an impact on our local farmers. The Batavian's news partner, 13WHAM produced this story.

The map below of the Northeastern United States shows where it's considered "unusually dry" (in yellow) and where moderate drought conditions (tan) exist.

We got less than an inch of rain in June, two inches below average and the fourth lowest rainfall total for June since the 1940s.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Genesee County, including Batavia.

It is in effect until 10:15 p.m.

A large storm is heading toward the Southwestern portion of the county and is expected to come as far north as Batavia.

The storm is moving at 55 mph. 

Wind gusts of 60 mph are expected with possible quarter-size hail.

An estimated 513 National Grid customers are without power along the west side of Bank Street, from just north of Main Street, Batavia, out to the County Airport.

The outage was reported at 8:42 a.m. and there is no ETA yet for restoration of power.

UPDATE: Power has been restored.

It's looking like Memorial Day Weekend is going to be a great weekend to make use of the spray park in Austin Park, as Darien Rhodes did this afternoon with Faith Rhodes.

Temperatures will reach as high as 92 degrees over the weekend with ample humidity.

The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Genesee County starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 11 p.m.

The index value for outdoor air quality is expected to exceed 100 for the pollutant ozone.

The higher the number of the air quality index, the greater the health concern.

When the index is high, the State Health Department recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. Those with preexisting respiratory problems, such as asthma or heart disease, and with such symptoms, should consult a personal physician.

The toll-free number for air quality reports is (800) 535-1345.

From our news partner, 13WHAM.

From the National Weather Service in Buffalo:

A winter weather advisory is in effect here from 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, through 5 a.m., Sunday, April 3.

The advisory is for snow and blowing snow, with accumulations three to six inches. The greatest snow totals will be across the hills south of Buffalo.

Winds -- northwest at 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Visibility under a half mile at times.

Snow will accumulate on roads and create slippery driving conditions.

A winter weather advisory is normally issued for a variety of winter weather conditions such as light snow, blowing snow, sleet, freezing rain and wind chills.

While the weather will be significant, the word advisory implies that severe weather is not anticipated.

A winter weather advisory for Genesee County has been issued by the National Weather Service in Buffalo and is in effect from 4 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Hazards include a mix of snow, freezing rain and sleet. Ice accumulation of up to a third of an inch is expected, with the greatest accumulation from Buffalo to Batavia. Snow accumulation of one to three inches is also predicted.

Winds will be 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.

Snow and ice accumulations will result in extremely slick road conditions, making travel difficult.

The National Weather Service is expecting freezing rain to hit the area tomorrow morning.

An advisory has been issued for 7 a.m. through 1 p.m., Friday.

Untreated roadways are expected to be slick, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses. Travel conditions could be hazardous.

Both drivers and pedestrians should be on the lookout for slick spots on roads and sidewalks. Walking and driving could be difficult.

At least a foot of snow has fallen in parts of Genesee County, and in some places more, according to various weather reports. And it's still coming down. Slow and persistant.

Above, Steve Ognibene clears his driveway.

Kibbe Park.

The tracks along the side of the Harvester Center.

William Morgan, Batavia Cemetery.

Harvester Avenue.

Landon Coles and Rebecca Salvaterra clearing snow on East Avenue.

As predicted, heavy wet snow hit Genesee County this morning, making for a tricky commute.

We've received notification of closings for GCASA and BOCES.

Above, the westbound Thruway from State Street Road.

UPDATE:

• Grace's Kitchen in Le Roy tonight is cancelled.
• The UMMC Urgent Care in Le Roy is closed.
• Bergen Town Hall is closing at noon.
• The Section V boys basketball playoff game in Pembroke tonight has been rescheduled. Pembroke will play Gananda tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Lady Dragons will play Avon tomorrow at  7 p.m., as originally scheduled. The cost is $4 per person per game.

Main and Oak.

Main and Court.

Looking east down Main Street, Downtown.

City Firefighter Christine Marinaccio shoveling in front of the Fire Station.

The National Weather Service is predicting from 4 to 8 inches of snow tonight and has issued a winter storm warning for a 24-hour period starting at 7 p.m.

The storm total could hit 15 inches.

Heavy, wet snow is expected from this storm, which could make travel hazardous and lead to power outages.

The most difficult travel conditions could hit during Tuesday morning's commute hours.