Weather History for March 13

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Western New York Weather History

MARCH 13

1993

13^th-14^th…A major winter storm system which produced blizzard conditions from the Southeastern United States to Quebec also left its mark on Western and Central New York. Snow began across the Western Southern Tier Saturday afternoon (13th) and quickly overspread the entire area. The snow continued through Sunday morning (14th). A northwest flow of cold air following the storm produced lake effect squalls Sunday afternoon and night which only added to the the snowfall amounts. The heavy snow combined with high winds of 20-40 mph and gusts to 60 mph to produce extensive blowing and drifting snow with zero visibilities. The blowing and drifting was so bad highway superintendents pulled the snowplows off the road. Snow drifts of 5-10 feet were reported. Trees and wires were also downed by the high winds. Minor power outages were scattered across the area. For those airports which remained officially open, most commercial airlines cancelled all flights in and out of the area. The New York State Thruway was closed from Buffalo east. Driving bans and restrictions were in place in all counties in the area with the exception of Erie and parts of Chautauqua Counties. Driving in those areas however was still treacherous. Most bans were being lifted Monday morning (15^th). In Little Valley, the Cattaraugus County fairgrounds Education Building collapsed because of the heavy snow and wind. Several automobiles stored in the building were also damaged. A 95-year-old Rochester woman died from exposure. She apparently went out of the house to feed the birds and was locked out. Several persons also died in auto accidents related to the storm. The impact of the storm on the region is believed to have been lessened by advance warnings with allowed early preparation for the storm. Snowfall amounts ranged from 1 1/2 feet around the Buffalo area to around 2 feet across the Western Finger Lakes and in excess of 3 feet across the Eastern Finger Lakes