First it was the high winds, then came the snow.

Just as expected before the New Year’s holiday.

According to the National Weather Service on Monday, these totals were reported: Jamestown, 4.5 inches; Mayville, 4.3 inches; Falconer, 4.5 inches; Randolph, 4 inches; Bemus Point, 3 inches; Cassadaga, 2.8 inches; Perrysburg, 6 inches; and Silver Creek, 9 inches.

More was on the way.

Due to blowing and drifting snow, whiteout conditions are occurring, with visibility reduced to near zero at times.

The weather service added that the Winter Storm Severity Index has reached the “Major” category, signaling dangerous to impossible travel conditions, widespread disruptions, and potential impacts to critical infrastructure.

As a prolonged lake effect snow event, strong winds, and blowing snow continue to impact the region, a travel advisory is still in effect for Chautauqua County until 7 a.m. Friday. The advisory is not a ban on travel. It is a strong recommendation that residents avoid unnecessary travel and consider delaying trips until conditions improve. Those who must travel should be prepared for rapidly changing and hazardous conditions.

“While this is not a travel ban, it is a serious advisory,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. “If you don’t have to be on the roads, we strongly encourage you to wait until conditions improve. Lake effect snow and blowing snow can change conditions very quickly, even if a road looks clear when you start your trip.”

Lake effect snow bands were expected to shift and oscillate throughout the week, creating dramatic differences in conditions over short distances.

Residents should be aware that snowfall can be intense within narrow bands, while nearby areas may see lighter or dry conditions; blowing snow may significantly reduce visibility, even after snowfall rates decrease; road conditions can deteriorate rapidly and unexpectedly; and visibility may drop from clear to near zero in minutes.

Snowfall totals may be 1 to 3 feet in persistent lake effect areas with wind gusts up to 45 mph creating blowing, and drifting snow.

“Even if conditions appear manageable at one moment, lake effect snow and blowing snow can quickly reduce visibility to near zero,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone. “We’re asking motorists to slow down, avoid unnecessary travel, and understand that conditions can change suddenly from mile to mile.”

With heavy, blowing snow, and potential power disruptions continuing, officials stress that home heating and generator safety is just as important as travel safety during this storm.

“This is a prolonged event, and as people dig out and use alternate heat sources, fire safety is critical,” said Director of Emergency Services Noel Guttman. “Make sure furnace and dryer vents remain clear of snow, operate generators outdoors and far away from buildings, and never use grills or fuel-burning devices inside. These precautions help prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Officials added that county highway and public facilities crews are working around the clock to keep roads passable. Motorists are reminded to expect sudden reductions in visibility; to not pass snowplows or follow too closely; and that roads may appear clear, but quickly can become snow covered or icy.

“Blowing snow means roads may need to be cleared repeatedly, sometimes shortly after being plowed,” said Director of Public FacilitiesTim Card. “We ask motorists to slow down, give plows plenty of room, and never attempt to pass them.”

Officials added that if travel is necessary motorists should slow down and increase following distance; motorists should avoid using cruise control; and motorists should be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions; and motorists should keep an emergency kit in their vehicles.