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The Buffalo Snowspotter Network consists of over 150
dedicated observers who provide both real-time and climatological
information to our office so that we may better define and forecast our
very localized lake effect snowfall. This network was developed in 1994 to supplement our
"official" network of five stations and co-operative network
of about 60 stations. Lake effect snow is very mesoscale and often fell
"between the cracks" so we needed more stations to pick it up
and really let us know what was happening.
Our observers are spread throughout our 16 county area of
responsibility...from the Tug Hill east of Lake Ontario to the Finger
Lakes to the shores of Lake Erie. They report live into us whenever more
than 4 inches of snow has accumulated, or snow is falling intensely.
They keep track of daily snowfall and send the info on to us for climate
purposes...and monthly maps and descriptions are published on our
homepage. Many of them also report rainfall and severe weather during
the warmer months as well.
NWS Buffalo appreciates the efforts of these dedicated
individuals. They are an integral tool in helping us keep all western
and central New Yorkers abreast of ever changing weather conditions. |
www.nws.noaa.gov 
