Forecasters say additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected for Tuesday in the most persistent snow areas of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. By late afternoon we should see things clearing up temporarily, although another round of snow will settle into the area overnight.

Forecasters say for the Winter Storm Watch that was initially issued for the area has now been upgraded to a Lake Effect Snow Warning. The warning begins at  1 a.m. Wednesday and will include heavy lake effect snow is possible with total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches possible in the most persistent lake snows.

Winds could gust as high as 35 mph Wednesday and Wednesday night, creating areas of blowing and drifting snow.

Forecasters say travel could be very difficult Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with areas of blowing snow significantly reducing visibility.

As a result of the winter weather across the region, Governor Cuomo directed state agencies to prepare for a potentially hazardous morning commutes today across Upstate New York.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties for Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night, Jan. 30 – 31.

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Forecasters say heavy lake effect snow is possible for some regions of the county with total snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches possible in the most persistent lake snow areas. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph later Wednesday through Thursday, which may produce near blizzard conditions.

In addition to the potential snowy weather, temperatures will also plunge into a deep freeze starting Tuesday afternoon and evening.

By Wednesday and into Thursday, temperatures will only reach the single digits during the daytime hours and will be below zero in the evening and overnight. Wind chills will  also be quite dangerous with poor travel conditions as well.

The snow and cold will likely continue on Friday, however much warmer weather is on the way for the weekend with daytime highs in the mid to upper 20s on Saturday and in the upper 30s by Super Bowl Sunday.

According to the local forecast, heavy snow is possible with light snow beginning as early as Saturday morning. Snow will become heavy late Saturday afternoon and Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning.

Snow will then transition to lake effect Sunday afternoon and continue through Monday. At this time, greater than 7 inches of snow is possible.

Gusty winds and arctic air will also produce significant blowing and drifting snow and wind chills well below zero.

Motorists should plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

In addition to the snow, arctic temperatures will be arriving into the area early this week, courtesy of the Polar Vortex. Forecasters say an icy blast of bitterly cold air straight from the Arctic will freeze most of the eastern U.S. next week, ushering in a brutal, punishing stretch of intense cold that should last well into February.

Bundle up.