The National Weather Service has upgraded Wednesday's "winter storm warning" to a "blizzard warning" for all of Western New York.

Snowfall is projected to begin overnight tonight and continue through overnight Wednesday with the highest threat for blizzard conditions existing from late Wednesday morning on to early Wednesday evening.

Heave snow and blowing snow will result in periods of whiteout conditions along with significant blowing and drifting snow. Accumulations may total 9 to 17 inches throughout the night and day.

Winds will be from 20 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 45 mph at times, leading to visibility near zero at times Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.

The weather service says conditions will deteriorate rapidly Wednesday morning with relatively light snow becoming heavy by late morning. The combination of heavy snow and blowing snow will make travel extremely difficult to near impossible Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening. 

A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely, leading to whiteout conditions making travel extremely dangerous.

Travel is strongly discouraged.

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