A snowstorm in Buffalo is still wreaking havoc on Highmark Stadium less than 24 hours before the Bills’ scheduled matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Buffalo’s home clash with San Francisco was placed under a winter storm watch earlier this week after heavy snow and strong winds were forecast in Western New York.
On Friday the weather turned brutally cold as expected, with the torrential conditions leaving Buffalo and other Western New York cities painted white.
Temperatures had already fallen below freezing by Saturday afternoon, and up to 4ft of snow is expected before Sunday’s NFL clash – which is due to kick off at 8:20pm ET.
After putting out a call for volunteers to help clear the field in time for the game, the Bills have showed the astonishing effect the blizzard has had on their stadium.
The insane clip captures heavy snow continuing to fall late on Sunday night at Highmark Stadium, which has been left completely white amid the snowstorm.
Heavy snow is still falling down on Highmark Stadium 24 hours before the Bills vs 49ers game
It remains to be seen whether Bills Mafia is able to clear the field in time for their highly-anticipated showdown with the Niners.
The Bills’ Stadium Ops team were seen putting in the work on Sunday night after driving tractors on the field in a bid to move the snow.
This weekend is not the first time snow has threatened to disrupt an NFL game in 2024 – with the Browns’ recent win over the Steelers taking place on a grim Monday night in Cleveland.
Nevertheless, the current snowstorm has led to a state of emergency being declared in parts of New York.
A ‘major disaster’ has been declared in Pennsylvania, with officials warning Thanksgiving travelers of dangerous conditions as they head home.
‘Travel will be extremely difficult and hazardous this weekend, especially in areas where multiple feet of snow may accumulate very quickly,’ the National Weather Service said.
By Saturday lunchtime, nearly 2ft of snow has already fallen in parts of New York, Ohio and Michigan.
Come kickoff on Sunday, forecasters expect below-freezing temperatures of around 30 degrees.
The home of the Buffalo Bills is caked in snow ahead of Sunday night’s game against the Niners
Buffalo could be left with up to eight inches of snow ahead of Sunday’s fixture in Orchard Park
‘Forecasts have favored a steady increase in the total snowfall expectations for areas near the Buffalo Bills stadium,’ the NY State Weather Risk Communication Center said.
‘At this time the heaviest snow is expected Saturday afternoon into Sunday, with snow shifting south before the game. Travel may be hazardous, so be weather aware!’
According to meteorologist Todd Santos, between four and eight inches of snow is expected to fall in Buffalo in the 24 hours leading up to kickoff.
Santos added that there is also likely to be light snow during Sunday’s game in Orchard Park.
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