P-J file photo

Heavy snow is in the forecast for much of the area beginning later this week.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter storm watch for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming and Southern Erie counties from Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon.

“Long duration heavy lake effect snow possible,” the weather service said. “Total snow accumulations of a foot or more possible in the most persistent lake snows. Snowfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.”

The greatest snow amounts are expected to focus across the higher terrain of the Chautauqua Ridge, Boston Hills and Wyoming Hills.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commutes Narrow bands of heavy snow could impact portions of the region. Localized travel problems will be possible.”