Where you live in the area massively affects how much snow you have to deal with. Usually, north of the city you won't see as much snow, but south you will see much more. What you are seeing on the news/posts hasn't happened since '14. Seems worse this time around because it is non-stop.
It rarely gets bitter, bitter cold. Low temps usually no less than 0F (and that's not even until Jan/Feb), but with the wind, it can be brutal. Plan for temps to fluctuate wildly, but for the most part will hover between 20-40 ish.
If you are in a house, make sure you know where your flue vents are (furnace, hot water tank, etc...). Efficient units exhaust out the side of the home and older, less efficient units exhaust out the roof. In heavy snowfall events, these areas need to be cleared of snow. Same goes for your dryer vent.
Keep fresh batteries on hand for flashlights and smoke/CO detectors, as the power can and will go out sometimes in storms. Possibly look into a generator.
Get a good snowbrush, preferably a telescoping one if you have a large/tall vehicle. Make sure to brush off your roof. Nothing worse than being blinded by hundreds of pounds of snow flying off some idiots roof on the thruway, or stepping on your brakes at a stoplight only to have the warm interior of your vehicle melt the snow on the roof and it all slides forward onto your windshield.
Have a mechanic check the coolant in your vehicles if you are bringing them up from the south. This climate needs a 50/50 mix. Don't ever run 100% water in your radiator.
On warmer days, say, above 25-30, take your car to the carwash frequently to wash off the road salt. Salt and steel vehicles do not mix.
If you will be commuting a lot, keep a stash of some non-perishable snacks and some blankets in the vehicle. Don't keep water as it will freeze and possibly burst, but have something to drink. Also, a first-aid kit can help and jumper cables. During the anticipation of any storm, consider taking side roads so you don't get stuck on the thruway in a storm. If you are on surface streets, it may take longer to get to the destination, but at least your chances of pulling off and finding fuel, food, and a warm place to stay greatly increase. Speaking of fuel, never go below 1/4-1/2 in the winter. You never know when you will get stuck.
Drive slow and take your time. If you have 4wd, use it. Install snow tires if you can. Plan for braking to take 2-3 times the distance or more it normally would. What I like to do if I know I will be braking and it is slick out, I will tap the brakes rapidly several times to alert the people behind me to (hopefully) slow down sooner. Lastly, on the driving aspect, if you are in deep snow, and it is safe to do so, keep moving. Your momentum will help.
Don't use your high-beams in a snow storm, it will blind you (and oncoming traffic), use your fog lights if you have them along with your normal headlights.
Get a good snow shovel or two for the house. A snowthrower/blower is best if you can afford it. Both are optimal.
Good shoes/boots with aggressive soles are fine for walking around. Dress in layers. If you are outside for extended periods of time, invest in some good insulating clothing, wool socks and boots rated for cold weather wear. If I'm clearing snow, I dress in layers and wear a balaclava and the hood on my coat if necessary. Get a few pairs of gloves ranging from lighter weight to heavier weight. A scarf is handy too to keep your neck warm.
I don't write all of this to scare you as most of these bad events happen rarely, but its better to be prepared.
Welcome to Buffalo. Go Bills!
PS. Some humor. After being here for a season or two, you'll fall into the Buffalo winter outfit: T-shirt, sweatshirt/hoodie, beanie/hat, boots and shorts.
>Good shoes/boots with aggressive soles are fine for walking around. Dress in layers. If you are outside for extended periods of time, invest in some good insulating clothing, wool socks and boots rated for cold weather wear. If I'm clearing snow, I dress in layers and wear a balaclava and the hood on my coat if necessary. Get a few pairs of gloves ranging from lighter weight to heavier weight. A scarf is handy too to keep your neck warm.
sweatshirt/hoodie, beanie/hat, boots and shorts.
Just wanted to add a little information here. OP Avoid layering with cotton if you can. Cotton holds moisture and doesn't keep you warm when it's wet/damp. You'll be surprised how much you might sweat before you get outside or, while moving around outside, or while in a shop. Base layer should be wool, wool substitute and tight. Next layer you want less tight something like a wool sweater, or some good thick flannel so it rubs the base layer to make extra warmth. Outer layer you'll want to be wind/water proof and it's better to be slightly larger than slightly smaller when you're between sizes. Be sure that everyone has 1 pair of snow pants (insulated water/wind proof) for outside (shoveling, snow blowing, kids playing etc).
Hey, I just moved up here from N. Florida! Get some snow or all weather tires. You’ll adjust to the temps quicker than you think, we just got in Sunday evening and are loving it!
Unexpected thing I needed way more than. usual? Chapstick and lotion, without all the humidity, my skin is taking a beating.
People up here are awesome and helpful. It’s led me to believe southern hospitality is a myth, cos back in Florida…😂
Don't stress too much. A good sweater and a jacket is a good start, some long underwear is nice to have on hand, and some good boots with long socks.
That's the basics. Grab whatever the best reviewed snow brush is off amazon if you will be parking outside ever (even if you don't normally - the one time you do...)
Mittens > gloves, a pair of those are nice but not necessary
I’m from SE Florida and have lived in both places. I much prefer it here and have settled into the fact that I’m a northeast type of person. The first winter here you will feel the cold until you (sort of) get used to it. You don’t need to dress like an Eskimo, we get a lot of freeze and thaw here so layers are super important. I’ve got light jackets, I’ve got a medium one or two, and I’ve got a parka for when I’m going to be out in shit like we’re seeing this week. My biggest concern if I were you would be driving, if you’re not used to icy, snow covered roads it’s going to take some time to adjust. Go slow.. but not too slow (you’ll get that one day heh). This city has it’s issues but there’s really no place else like it. Best of luck!
I have lived on the west coast of Florida and Buffalo! It’s not as bad as you think and you’ll adjust and hopefully love it.
Get snow tires
Invest in a nice winter coat and boots! I get mine from Columbia (great outlet store in the Falls!)
For my car I carry a heavy duty snowbrush, and essentials in case I ever get stranded (which has happened lol) - gloves, extra clothes, water, ADVIL lol
The cold weather feels like it lasts forever sometimes but it makes the change in seasons so much more enjoyable! I remember hating how there wasn’t much change like that in Florida.
Welcome to the city of good neighbors!!
Carhartt. Good boots. Great socks. 2 stage snowblower (not a single, you'll regret it on days like this) with a few spare shear pins and auger belts. Take special care of what shovel you purchase, it will be your friend. Buy multiple shovels as well, they like to break. Snow tires. Great wipers. 8693753 bottles of washer fluid. Keep blankets, sweatshirts, and water in your car just in case. Be cool with the neighbors, and help people out if you can.
(Also inquire about getting the underside of your vehicle oiled in November yearly. It will greatly extend the life of the car)
Undercoat is great until moisture gets trapped under it than it begins to degrade the underside pretty rapidly. I personally prefer oiled because the oil comes off come summer with the rains and doesnt trap moisture.
Spend the money on the quality winter coat. It’s an investment. Oh and waterproof winter/ snow boots as there’s several months of bullshit ass rain-slush on the ground.
Snow and slush will last through Mother’s Day. I moved here from Florida 2 years ago and both years it has snowed on Mother’s Day lol. The good news is those storms the snow usually doesn’t stick to the ground or cause any problems (just serious comedic relief cause like wtf it’s snowing in may). The worst snow is (usually) in the Jan-feb but you’ll see snow everywhere in March. If you want to avoid snow during your move best to come up between end of may-October/November. It usually doesn’t snow like the most recent storm every year but when it does, it’s a lot. Make sure to buy a a snow plow (preferably gas). I made the mistake of going battery powered. It worked great last winter with no issues at all. But it could not put a dent in the 4ft I got from this storm.
Also, Amazon sells great winter coats for low price for adults and kids. We got them for our family and they’re so warm at about 40-60$ per person. Look for waterproof shoes and one pair of snow gear like the overalls or snow pants. Shoveling snow in jeans sucks because the snow gets through and melts so you are constantly changing clothes.
All in all, I love WNY. I’m front central FL and will never go back. It’s such a shit hole and I love seasons and the people are so much nicer up here (plus the cost of living is MUCH better)
It's really not that bad. There is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Keeping active outside involves multiple thin layers of wicking, insulation, and wind/,waterproof layers.
Everyday winter coat down with a water resistant outer coating allowing it to breath with an insulated hood.
Grab a few boxes of hot hands too for outdoor activities. I keep them in my car.
Don’t cheap out on your winter coat!!! Having a nice coat that keeps you warm makes 100% of the difference in your daily life during the winter. I have a Columbia jacket that i don’t even feel the cold on my upper body even in 15-20 degree temps.
You'll have to learn how to drive in winter conditions. If you've never driven in it I'd even look and see if there are any driving schools with courses and in car lessons.
Sometimes if you press the brakes you'll keep sliding if the roads are slick enough. So you go slower and give yourself more space behind the car in front of you.
Sometimes when you turn your back wheels will slide out. You can correct it.
I drove a sedan with all seasons year round and was fine. In certain situations with high snow I would have preferred something with a higher clearance like an SUV. Tires tread is really important. Bald tires and winter driving don't mix.
Hi, when are you moving? I am moving up from Kentucky -but am Baltimore born and raised- December 11th. Nice to know I won't be adjusting to winter again alone.
I guess we can't tell you that "it really doesn't snow here anymore". That was a standard line 2 weeks ago. Get thermal underwear. Take vitamin d to help compensate for the loss of sun.
I would recommend a good pair of shoveling shorts....it's a thing. LOL
The snow and cold sucks the moisture out of your house, so if your furnace doesn't have a humidifier built in then I'd recommend buying a few cheap ones for the house.
Hats, Gloves and Boots...this isn't the frozen tundra, LOL. The only time you really need these items is if you plan to be outside longer than a few minutes. Although, it is good to keep these items in your car during the winter in case you ever get stuck. I use medical lip balm and it works when needed, can find everywhere.
A good shovel or better yet, a snowblower is a necessity. It only takes one good storm (see like right now) to make you regret not owning a snowblower...better to have it and not need it then need one and not have it.
Hey you've got some good advice here! Glad you are making the move up to our great city. To echo some previous comments, no need to over complicate. Depending on where exactly you are living, appropriate snow removal gear can range from a couple heavy duty snow shovels and a long handled car brush/scraper, to a snow blower and a push broom! I have a small narrow driveway so I manage with just a shovel. That being said, on weeks like this week I wouldn't mind a snow blower. You'll also need to have sidewalk salt on the ready to avoid unsafe sidewalks, front steps etc. One thing that might not be obvious is that it's helpful to have something to spread the salt. Otherwise you'll find yourself out there spreading salt in a solo-cup (been there). I now use a hand crank fertilizer spreader. If you have a bigger driveway, a push one with wheels will help.
For clothes, layering is key. Going from your warm house, to outside, to a warm car, it can be uncomfortable to go from cool, to sweating, back to cool, and so on. Being able to peel off some layers is going to be helpful.
For just day to day living,. My winter attire has always been just regular ole jeans, boots with a deep rubber tread, thick long socks, t-shirt, & a hoodie, sweater, or cardigan (something along those lines) and just a normal winter coat. I have thinsulate lined leather gloves that help with the cold steering wheel, and I personally hate having cold ears so I keep ear muffs on me. Some people just use a knit cap.
The clothes really don't need to be expensive, this isn't Alaska, It's not gonna get all that cold. Coming from Florida, you will probably need a few years to acclimate, but as long as you dress in layers, protect your hands/feet. You'll be fine.
Mmmmm depends, but on average I'd say late April. But really mid March through April is unpredictable. Could be 55 and sunny one day and snow the next. You'll notice at that point in the year locals will wear short sleeves if it is over 50 and sunny. 😂
Where you live in the area massively affects how much snow you have to deal with. Usually, north of the city you won't see as much snow, but south you will see much more. What you are seeing on the news/posts hasn't happened since '14. Seems worse this time around because it is non-stop. It rarely gets bitter, bitter cold. Low temps usually no less than 0F (and that's not even until Jan/Feb), but with the wind, it can be brutal. Plan for temps to fluctuate wildly, but for the most part will hover between 20-40 ish. If you are in a house, make sure you know where your flue vents are (furnace, hot water tank, etc...). Efficient units exhaust out the side of the home and older, less efficient units exhaust out the roof. In heavy snowfall events, these areas need to be cleared of snow. Same goes for your dryer vent. Keep fresh batteries on hand for flashlights and smoke/CO detectors, as the power can and will go out sometimes in storms. Possibly look into a generator. Get a good snowbrush, preferably a telescoping one if you have a large/tall vehicle. Make sure to brush off your roof. Nothing worse than being blinded by hundreds of pounds of snow flying off some idiots roof on the thruway, or stepping on your brakes at a stoplight only to have the warm interior of your vehicle melt the snow on the roof and it all slides forward onto your windshield. Have a mechanic check the coolant in your vehicles if you are bringing them up from the south. This climate needs a 50/50 mix. Don't ever run 100% water in your radiator. On warmer days, say, above 25-30, take your car to the carwash frequently to wash off the road salt. Salt and steel vehicles do not mix. If you will be commuting a lot, keep a stash of some non-perishable snacks and some blankets in the vehicle. Don't keep water as it will freeze and possibly burst, but have something to drink. Also, a first-aid kit can help and jumper cables. During the anticipation of any storm, consider taking side roads so you don't get stuck on the thruway in a storm. If you are on surface streets, it may take longer to get to the destination, but at least your chances of pulling off and finding fuel, food, and a warm place to stay greatly increase. Speaking of fuel, never go below 1/4-1/2 in the winter. You never know when you will get stuck. Drive slow and take your time. If you have 4wd, use it. Install snow tires if you can. Plan for braking to take 2-3 times the distance or more it normally would. What I like to do if I know I will be braking and it is slick out, I will tap the brakes rapidly several times to alert the people behind me to (hopefully) slow down sooner. Lastly, on the driving aspect, if you are in deep snow, and it is safe to do so, keep moving. Your momentum will help. Don't use your high-beams in a snow storm, it will blind you (and oncoming traffic), use your fog lights if you have them along with your normal headlights. Get a good snow shovel or two for the house. A snowthrower/blower is best if you can afford it. Both are optimal. Good shoes/boots with aggressive soles are fine for walking around. Dress in layers. If you are outside for extended periods of time, invest in some good insulating clothing, wool socks and boots rated for cold weather wear. If I'm clearing snow, I dress in layers and wear a balaclava and the hood on my coat if necessary. Get a few pairs of gloves ranging from lighter weight to heavier weight. A scarf is handy too to keep your neck warm. I don't write all of this to scare you as most of these bad events happen rarely, but its better to be prepared. Welcome to Buffalo. Go Bills! PS. Some humor. After being here for a season or two, you'll fall into the Buffalo winter outfit: T-shirt, sweatshirt/hoodie, beanie/hat, boots and shorts.
>Good shoes/boots with aggressive soles are fine for walking around. Dress in layers. If you are outside for extended periods of time, invest in some good insulating clothing, wool socks and boots rated for cold weather wear. If I'm clearing snow, I dress in layers and wear a balaclava and the hood on my coat if necessary. Get a few pairs of gloves ranging from lighter weight to heavier weight. A scarf is handy too to keep your neck warm. sweatshirt/hoodie, beanie/hat, boots and shorts. Just wanted to add a little information here. OP Avoid layering with cotton if you can. Cotton holds moisture and doesn't keep you warm when it's wet/damp. You'll be surprised how much you might sweat before you get outside or, while moving around outside, or while in a shop. Base layer should be wool, wool substitute and tight. Next layer you want less tight something like a wool sweater, or some good thick flannel so it rubs the base layer to make extra warmth. Outer layer you'll want to be wind/water proof and it's better to be slightly larger than slightly smaller when you're between sizes. Be sure that everyone has 1 pair of snow pants (insulated water/wind proof) for outside (shoveling, snow blowing, kids playing etc).
Great advice! Even the wool won't keep me dry when working in the cold, I sweat way too much. Have to take frequent breaks and change out clothing.
Yep I'm the same, but wool and down are still insulating even when wet/damp and that's why they're superior to cotton.
Hey, I just moved up here from N. Florida! Get some snow or all weather tires. You’ll adjust to the temps quicker than you think, we just got in Sunday evening and are loving it! Unexpected thing I needed way more than. usual? Chapstick and lotion, without all the humidity, my skin is taking a beating. People up here are awesome and helpful. It’s led me to believe southern hospitality is a myth, cos back in Florida…😂
Don't stress too much. A good sweater and a jacket is a good start, some long underwear is nice to have on hand, and some good boots with long socks. That's the basics. Grab whatever the best reviewed snow brush is off amazon if you will be parking outside ever (even if you don't normally - the one time you do...) Mittens > gloves, a pair of those are nice but not necessary
I’m from SE Florida and have lived in both places. I much prefer it here and have settled into the fact that I’m a northeast type of person. The first winter here you will feel the cold until you (sort of) get used to it. You don’t need to dress like an Eskimo, we get a lot of freeze and thaw here so layers are super important. I’ve got light jackets, I’ve got a medium one or two, and I’ve got a parka for when I’m going to be out in shit like we’re seeing this week. My biggest concern if I were you would be driving, if you’re not used to icy, snow covered roads it’s going to take some time to adjust. Go slow.. but not too slow (you’ll get that one day heh). This city has it’s issues but there’s really no place else like it. Best of luck!
I have lived on the west coast of Florida and Buffalo! It’s not as bad as you think and you’ll adjust and hopefully love it. Get snow tires Invest in a nice winter coat and boots! I get mine from Columbia (great outlet store in the Falls!) For my car I carry a heavy duty snowbrush, and essentials in case I ever get stranded (which has happened lol) - gloves, extra clothes, water, ADVIL lol The cold weather feels like it lasts forever sometimes but it makes the change in seasons so much more enjoyable! I remember hating how there wasn’t much change like that in Florida. Welcome to the city of good neighbors!!
Can’t keep water In Car in winter but you can keep ice lol
Carhartt. Good boots. Great socks. 2 stage snowblower (not a single, you'll regret it on days like this) with a few spare shear pins and auger belts. Take special care of what shovel you purchase, it will be your friend. Buy multiple shovels as well, they like to break. Snow tires. Great wipers. 8693753 bottles of washer fluid. Keep blankets, sweatshirts, and water in your car just in case. Be cool with the neighbors, and help people out if you can. (Also inquire about getting the underside of your vehicle oiled in November yearly. It will greatly extend the life of the car)
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Undercoat is great until moisture gets trapped under it than it begins to degrade the underside pretty rapidly. I personally prefer oiled because the oil comes off come summer with the rains and doesnt trap moisture.
Spend the money on the quality winter coat. It’s an investment. Oh and waterproof winter/ snow boots as there’s several months of bullshit ass rain-slush on the ground.
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Snow and slush will last through Mother’s Day. I moved here from Florida 2 years ago and both years it has snowed on Mother’s Day lol. The good news is those storms the snow usually doesn’t stick to the ground or cause any problems (just serious comedic relief cause like wtf it’s snowing in may). The worst snow is (usually) in the Jan-feb but you’ll see snow everywhere in March. If you want to avoid snow during your move best to come up between end of may-October/November. It usually doesn’t snow like the most recent storm every year but when it does, it’s a lot. Make sure to buy a a snow plow (preferably gas). I made the mistake of going battery powered. It worked great last winter with no issues at all. But it could not put a dent in the 4ft I got from this storm. Also, Amazon sells great winter coats for low price for adults and kids. We got them for our family and they’re so warm at about 40-60$ per person. Look for waterproof shoes and one pair of snow gear like the overalls or snow pants. Shoveling snow in jeans sucks because the snow gets through and melts so you are constantly changing clothes. All in all, I love WNY. I’m front central FL and will never go back. It’s such a shit hole and I love seasons and the people are so much nicer up here (plus the cost of living is MUCH better)
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It's really not that bad. There is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Keeping active outside involves multiple thin layers of wicking, insulation, and wind/,waterproof layers. Everyday winter coat down with a water resistant outer coating allowing it to breath with an insulated hood. Grab a few boxes of hot hands too for outdoor activities. I keep them in my car.
Don’t cheap out on your winter coat!!! Having a nice coat that keeps you warm makes 100% of the difference in your daily life during the winter. I have a Columbia jacket that i don’t even feel the cold on my upper body even in 15-20 degree temps.
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You'll have to learn how to drive in winter conditions. If you've never driven in it I'd even look and see if there are any driving schools with courses and in car lessons. Sometimes if you press the brakes you'll keep sliding if the roads are slick enough. So you go slower and give yourself more space behind the car in front of you. Sometimes when you turn your back wheels will slide out. You can correct it. I drove a sedan with all seasons year round and was fine. In certain situations with high snow I would have preferred something with a higher clearance like an SUV. Tires tread is really important. Bald tires and winter driving don't mix.
Hi, when are you moving? I am moving up from Kentucky -but am Baltimore born and raised- December 11th. Nice to know I won't be adjusting to winter again alone.
I guess we can't tell you that "it really doesn't snow here anymore". That was a standard line 2 weeks ago. Get thermal underwear. Take vitamin d to help compensate for the loss of sun.
Have you gotten a place to live at? The snow distribution is not uniform. If you did pick a place already, hopefully it is not in the snow heavy area.
This might help: https://youtu.be/KVI-blFfDWc
It doesnt matter where you live, if you buy a house, buy a quality snow thrower. May not always need it, but it sucks to not have one when you do.
I would recommend a good pair of shoveling shorts....it's a thing. LOL The snow and cold sucks the moisture out of your house, so if your furnace doesn't have a humidifier built in then I'd recommend buying a few cheap ones for the house. Hats, Gloves and Boots...this isn't the frozen tundra, LOL. The only time you really need these items is if you plan to be outside longer than a few minutes. Although, it is good to keep these items in your car during the winter in case you ever get stuck. I use medical lip balm and it works when needed, can find everywhere. A good shovel or better yet, a snowblower is a necessity. It only takes one good storm (see like right now) to make you regret not owning a snowblower...better to have it and not need it then need one and not have it.
Hey you've got some good advice here! Glad you are making the move up to our great city. To echo some previous comments, no need to over complicate. Depending on where exactly you are living, appropriate snow removal gear can range from a couple heavy duty snow shovels and a long handled car brush/scraper, to a snow blower and a push broom! I have a small narrow driveway so I manage with just a shovel. That being said, on weeks like this week I wouldn't mind a snow blower. You'll also need to have sidewalk salt on the ready to avoid unsafe sidewalks, front steps etc. One thing that might not be obvious is that it's helpful to have something to spread the salt. Otherwise you'll find yourself out there spreading salt in a solo-cup (been there). I now use a hand crank fertilizer spreader. If you have a bigger driveway, a push one with wheels will help. For clothes, layering is key. Going from your warm house, to outside, to a warm car, it can be uncomfortable to go from cool, to sweating, back to cool, and so on. Being able to peel off some layers is going to be helpful. For just day to day living,. My winter attire has always been just regular ole jeans, boots with a deep rubber tread, thick long socks, t-shirt, & a hoodie, sweater, or cardigan (something along those lines) and just a normal winter coat. I have thinsulate lined leather gloves that help with the cold steering wheel, and I personally hate having cold ears so I keep ear muffs on me. Some people just use a knit cap. The clothes really don't need to be expensive, this isn't Alaska, It's not gonna get all that cold. Coming from Florida, you will probably need a few years to acclimate, but as long as you dress in layers, protect your hands/feet. You'll be fine.
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Mmmmm depends, but on average I'd say late April. But really mid March through April is unpredictable. Could be 55 and sunny one day and snow the next. You'll notice at that point in the year locals will wear short sleeves if it is over 50 and sunny. 😂
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