Weather History for December 5

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Western New York Weather History

DECEMBER 5

1968

One half to two feet of snow fell in the snowbelts south of Buffalo. Gale winds raised the Lake Erie water level 8.1 feet causing shore line flooding and water damage and other wind damage. Five people were killed in auto accidents.

1990

A strong flow of cold air across the warm waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario produced lake effect snow squalls. Between six and ten inches of snow fell in localized areas to the lee of the lakes. Specific reports were as follows: Chautauqua county—Cassadaga 10"; Jamestown 6-8", Sherman 10"; Cattaraugus county—Little Valley 9", Hinsdale 8.5"; Wayne county—Sodus 6-10"; Oswego county—Oswego 4-6"; and Jefferson county—Watertown 3-6".

2000

Lake effect snow bands meandered across the areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario from late on the 5th through the 7th. A cold front crossed the region and ushered in a west to northwest flow of cold air. The squalls which developed dropped up to two feet of light, fluffy snow. Off Lake Erie, reported snow totals included: 16" at Sinclairville; 15" at Sherman and North Tonawanda; 14" at Grand Island and East Aurora; 13" at Lockport, South Dayton and Perrysburg; 12" at Getzville and Elma; 11" at Warsaw; 10" at Lancaster, Colden and Buffalo; and 9" at Niagara Falls, New Albion and Salamanca. Off Lake Ontario reported snow totals included: 14" at Hooker; 12" at Watertown and 10" at Highmarket.