Meteorologists and former National Weather Service leaders say reducing vital weather balloon launches will degrade the accuracy of forecasts just as severe weather season kicks in.

Gale warnings and low water advisories are in effect along western Lake Erie today due to strong west-southwest winds.

Gusts are expected to reach 40 mph in Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties, where a winter weather advisory is also in effect until 10 a.m. Monday, forecasters said. Up to 2 inches of snow and some ...