It snowed in Genesee County today, so of course, Santa paid us a visit.

Photo submitted by Jean Grinnell.

A high wind warning is in effect starting at 10 a.m. and lasting until 2 a.m., Tuesday.

The National Weather Service predicts southwest winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

"This will be a dangerous situation," the NWS states. "Very strong winds will result in numerous downed trees and power lines. Extensive power outages and property damage are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 6 p.m.

A wind advisory is in effect from 2 until 11 p.m.

Winds of 20 to 30 mph expected with gusts of 50 mph.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Tristine Vanice submitted the photo above taken from her backyard off Lewiston Road, Oakfield, of the storm rolling in. Thunder and rain started in Batavia few minutes ago.

Press release:

National Grid is increasing staffing and closely monitoring Friday’s weather forecast (March 20), which calls for high winds, with gusts of up to 60 mph, across portions of Upstate New York. The company’s field force is at normal staffing levels and remains at the ready if the storm impacts service. Customers are encouraged to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

           Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.

• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed power lines should immediately be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 9-1-1.

• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure todisconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in theelectric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.

• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.

• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.

• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

  Stay informed and connected

  Information on National Grid’s pandemic preparedness and a customer Q&A can be found here.

• Customers with active electricity accounts who text "REG" to 64743 can have personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their properties.

• Customers also can text "OUT" to 64743 to report an outage.

• For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.

• Visit our website.

Closures and cancellations for today:

• Pavilion Central School
• Classic Optical

Heavy snow is expected tonight through tomorrow afternoon throughout Western New York.

A winter storm warning has been issued from 10 p.m. through 1 p.m. Thursday.

Snow accumulations of five to nine inches are expected with winds from 45 to 50 mph, which is likely to result in blowing and drifting snow.

The National Weather Service warns that travel will become difficult with very poor visibility and snow-covered roadways. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Graphic: Accuweather.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for 12 hours, from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. with three to five inches of snow expected in Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service

Residents can also expect very cold air to hit the region Thursday night through Friday night with wind chills dropping below zero.

Graphic: Accuweather

A light amount of heavy, wet snow is falling in Batavia and the roads are getting slick.

At about 8:35 p.m., a vehicle failed to negotiate a curve in Ganson Avenue and slid into a tree. City fire and Mercy EMS were called to the scene to evaluate a pregnant woman who was riding in the backseat.

Officer Mark Lawrence said City DPW has been notified of road conditions and are expected to start treating roadways.

Here at The Batavian, we go out at night to find out what's going on so you don't have to. Help us do more to inform you about what's going on in your community by becoming a supporter.

An outbuilding rests on its roof in Corfu (Town of Darien) off of Route 33 just east of the County line following Saturday night's windstorm.

Photo submitted by a  Arielle McVay​.