Here Comes the Snow, Buffalo!

By Heather Buchman, Meteorologist

Dec 8, 2011; 4:21 AM ET

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By this time last season, Buffalo, N.Y., already had more than a foot and a half of snow. This was the snowy scene in the suburbs of Buffalo on Dec. 1, 2010, a little more than a year ago. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

Snow-starved Buffalo, N.Y., is set to receive its heaviest snow of the season thus far before the weekend.

The city is way behind the curve with snowfall this year with the first measurable snow (0.1 of an inch or more) of the season finally arriving late last week, almost a month late.

This first snowfall on Dec. 2, 2011, was so late, in fact, that it almost tied Buffalo's long-standing record for the latest measurable snow ever, which was on Dec. 3, 1899, more than 100 years ago.

Snowflakes have flown in the city in late October into November this year, but they resulted in only trace amounts.

Typically, the first measurable snow of the season falls on Nov. 8, according climate data from the National Weather Service Forecast Office of Buffalo. The first inch or more of snow usually falls by Nov. 18.

Buffalo has only picked up 0.4 of an inch of snow so far this season.

The stage is set for Buffalo's snow total to soar past the 1-inch mark finally.

The combination of a cold front and enhancement from Lake Erie will deliver 3 to 6 inches of snow to Downtown Buffalo before this week comes to a close.

According to Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams, "The snow will first hit the north towns late tonight, then will swing through the city of Buffalo Friday and will end up in the south towns Friday night."

The bulk of the snow will fall heavily late tonight, creating rapidly deteriorating road conditions and reduced visibility for motorists. Conditions will remain poor for the Friday morning commute.

The snow will be part of a broad-scale lake-effect event.

AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski contributed to the content of this story.

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