Washington Street in Jamestown. P-J file photo by Eric Tichy

The region is poised to receive a blast of snow and wind, a one-two punch largely vacant this winter.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo on Wednesday issued a blizzard warning for the western Southern Tier, bringing total snow accumulation of 1 to 2 feet in some areas in addition to wind gusts as high as 45 to 55 mph. The combination is expected to result in severe blowing and drifting snow for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and southern Erie counties but is expected to hit all of Western New York to some degree.

The warning went into effect Wednesday night, and as of press time was scheduled through Saturday at 6 p.m.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the National Weather Service said in its warning. “Areas of blowing snow will produce near-zero visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes (today) and Friday. Strong winds could cause some tree damage and isolated power outages.”

Earlier Wednesday, the weather service issued a lake effect snow warning through Saturday evening. The warning, which included Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming and southern Erie counties, soon updated to include blizzard-like conditions.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said local officials were in a “wait and see” mode as weather reports continued to update. He said area residents should be accustomed to warnings of incoming winter weather, but did note the lack of snow accumulation this winter.

“We will be following our protocols, and we have plans in place,” Wendel said. “If the snow comes like they say, we urge people to use caution. We haven’t had a lot of heavy snow this winter — there have been a lot of bare roads. Just remind everyone should use caution and to follow any advisories.”

“We have been fortunate to have some warmer weather this past week but with significant snowfall expected to return tonight, I ask that county residents please use caution and remember to slow down if road conditions and visibility are poor,” the county executive later said in a news release. “Our Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Division of Transportation are prepared for this storm and I remind residents that if they must travel to please be careful.”