Forecasters say 12 to 18 inches of snow could fall across large portions of New York as part of a potentially historic storm impacting more than two dozen states. Some spots could see as much as two feet by Tuesday evening, forecasters said.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — This latest winter storm is far from the worst Western New York has seen — however, it’s still one that needs to be taken seriously as continuous snowfall presents challenges to crews trying to keep Buffalo’s roads clear.

One of the advantages of living in the Northeast, especially here in Buffalo, New York, is the dramatic change of seasons. Summers and falls are stunning, but winters can be downright brutal. Still, if you dress for it and take a moment to look around, winter in Buffalo can be equally breathtaking.

On Sunday, City of Buffalo and Erie County leaders outlined their plans to keep residents safe as a significant winter storm moves into Western New York.

Central New York and the Southern Tier are expecting 12-18 inches of snow, while Western New York and Tug Hill may see 8-14 inches of accumulation.

Prepare for 3-5 inches of snow and strong winds today. Travel could be tricky with slippery roads and reduced visibility.

Many New Yorkers woke Thursday to find a blanket of snow on the ground. School districts and private schools across the Rochester region preemptively canceled classes and closed offices for Thursday - including the Rochester City School District, Greece Central School District and Pittsford Central School District.

Snowfall totals vary greatly across western and central New York in the latest storm. See totals for your area.

The winter storm barreling across the United States is expected to descend on New York City and the surrounding region on Sunday, disrupting transportation and daily life through Monday. Meteorologists on Saturday were adjusting the forecast for the impending storm as it was becoming increasingly clear to them that New York City will get hit with heavy snow followed by sleet.