Erie County, including the city of Buffalo, remains under a travel ban for both passenger and commercial vehicles as severe blizzard conditions persist. While some towns and villages in Erie County have seen the ban lifted, the majority of the county is still experiencing dangerous, near-zero visibility due to intense lake-effect snow. This travel advisory, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and local authorities, emphasizes the ongoing risks and encourages residents and travelers to remain indoors for their safety. Commercial vehicles are also still prohibited on the New York State Thruway between Exit 46 and the Pennsylvania border.
Governor Hochul stressed the critical need for caution, stating, “My top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe, and this winter storm continues to pose a life and safety risk. While there are some areas that are no longer experiencing whiteout conditions, much of Erie County remains unsafe for motorists.” The oscillating nature of snow bands means that conditions can deteriorate rapidly, even in areas currently experiencing clearer skies. The travel ban will be reassessed later on Sunday, but for now, remaining off the roads is crucial.
The call to action for those in Western New York is clear: stay home. The combination of heavy lake effect snow and strong winds is creating life-threatening blizzard conditions, making travel not only impossible but also incredibly dangerous. Emergency services are stretched thin, and any unnecessary travel puts further strain on these vital resources. Residents are strongly advised to monitor local weather forecasts and sign up for NY Alert (https://alert.ny.gov), a free service providing crucial emergency updates directly to cell phones and computers. This proactive step ensures you receive timely information about the Travel Ban Buffalo and evolving weather situation.
Heavy lake effect snow continues to pound the eastern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with snowfall rates reaching two to three inches per hour, accompanied by thundersnow in the most intense bands. Winds are expected to shift from southwest to gust at 35-40 mph in the morning and escalate to 40-50 mph in the afternoon. The lake effect band’s movement will begin over Niagara and Orleans Counties in the morning, shifting southward into northern Erie County, encompassing Buffalo by late morning, and reaching the Southtowns in the afternoon. Tonight, while snowfall intensity remains at two to three inches per hour in heavy bands, wind gusts are expected to decrease to 30 mph. The band is predicted to oscillate near or just south of Buffalo for much of the night.
To prepare for this significant weather event, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency on Friday, encompassing Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, and Wyoming counties. This declaration underscores the severity of the situation and unlocks resources to aid in response and recovery efforts.
For those who may have lost power or need a safe place to escape the cold, New York State has established warming shelters, equipped with cots, blankets, pillows, and mental health counselors. These shelters are operated by the NY National Guard and the New York State Incident Management Team at the following locations:
- Erie Community College (South Campus), 4041 Southwestern Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14203
- Windom Elementary School, 3870 Sheldon Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
- Orchard Park Middle School, 60 South Lincoln Ave, Orchard Park, NY 14127
The City of Buffalo has also opened additional warming centers, with details available at https://www.buffalony.gov/1585/City-of-Buffalo-Storm-Resources. The state is providing essential supplies like water and ready-to-eat meals to both state and city-run shelters.
To bolster search and rescue capabilities in Western New York, the state has deployed significant resources, including 33 tracked vehicles, 50 4×4 vehicles, and 25 military vehicles. Additional resources are on standby outside the affected area, ready for immediate deployment if needed. Coordination with snowmobile clubs is also underway to leverage their local expertise and equipment for further assistance.
Numerous state agencies are actively involved in the emergency response. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) has activated the State’s Emergency Operations Center in Albany to coordinate the statewide response. The Office of Emergency Management is in constant communication with local authorities and is prepared to fulfill requests for assistance. State stockpiles are fully stocked and ready to deploy emergency response assets and shelter supplies as needed. The State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan is activated, and the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has personnel and emergency response vehicles staged at the Buffalo Airport. The New York State Incident Management Team is already on the ground in Western New York, assisting with emergency management tasks.
The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs has mobilized 100 Soldiers and Airmen from the New York National Guard with 25 vehicles to provide general support in Western New York.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is actively engaged with over 3,700 operators and supervisors statewide, ready to form specialized crews for various response needs. NYSDOT has deployed 74 staff and 25 large snowplows, among other equipment, to Western New York. Statewide resources include a massive fleet of snow removal equipment, ensuring a robust response to the widespread winter weather. For real-time travel updates, motorists are encouraged to use 511NY (https://www.511ny.org).
The Thruway Authority has also deployed over 700 operators and supervisors statewide, shifting additional resources from other divisions to support snow and ice operations in Western New York. Motorists using the Thruway should download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app (https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/mobile-app.html) for real-time traffic information and consider signing up for TRANSalert emails for updates.
Utility companies, regulated by the Department of Public Service, have approximately 11,400 workers available statewide to address power outages. These companies are actively tracking the storm and shifting resources to the most impacted regions. If you experience a power outage, visit the DPS Utility Service Interruptions website (https://dps.ny.gov/utility-service-interruptions) for helpful tips.
The New York State Police are increasing patrols in impacted areas and have deployed specialized vehicles like snowmobiles and airboats. The State Police are ready to respond to emergencies as needed.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is also monitoring the situation, with staff and resources on alert. DEC reminds those involved in snow removal to follow best practices to prevent flooding and water contamination.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has State Park Police and park personnel on alert, preparing equipment and sawyer crews for potential road clearing operations.
Staying Safe During the Buffalo Travel Ban and Winter Storm
During this severe winter weather event and the travel ban buffalo, prioritizing safety is paramount. Here are crucial safety tips to keep in mind:
Winter Weather Safety:
- Maintain Snow Removal Equipment: Ensure your snow removal equipment is in good working order. Use rock salt and sand to manage ice and snow around your property.
- Winterize Your Home: Prepare your home for winter by inspecting heating sources and ensuring adequate heating oil supply.
- Emergency Heating: Have safe emergency heating equipment and use it according to manufacturer instructions.
- Smoke Alarms: Install and check smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Protect Pipes: Protect water pipes from freezing to prevent damage.
Safe Winter Travel (When Travel Bans are Lifted):
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: The best way to stay safe is to avoid travel during severe winter weather. Adhere to the travel ban buffalo.
- Vehicle Preparation: If travel is essential after the ban is lifted, equip your car with survival gear: blankets, shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, warm clothing, tire chains, jumper cables, energy food, and a brightly colored cloth for distress.
- Communication: Carry a charged cell phone or two-way radio to call for help if stranded.
- Driving Conditions: Clear your vehicle of snow and ice for good visibility. Increase following distance, be extra alert, and drive at speeds appropriate for road and weather conditions.
- Snowplow Awareness: Be aware that snowplows travel slower than speed limits. Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay well behind them for safety.
Power Outage Preparedness and Safety:
- Medication and Food Storage: If you rely on refrigerated medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist about storage during outages. Fill freezer space with water containers to help maintain cold temperatures.
- Alternative Cooking and Heating: Plan for alternative cooking methods (camp stove, outdoor grill – used safely outdoors). Consider a generator (used outdoors and properly disconnected from utility lines).
- Stay Warm: Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves available.
- Electronics: Back up computer files and turn off electronics during outages to prevent damage from surges.
- Manual Garage Door Operation: Learn how to manually operate electric garage doors.
- Alternative Communication: If your phone system relies on electricity, have a backup communication method.
- During an Outage: Disconnect appliances to prevent surge damage when power is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power return. Report outages to your utility provider and check on neighbors. Use flashlights instead of candles. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Avoid using charcoal grills or gas stoves indoors due to carbon monoxide risk. Dress warmly in layers and minimize outdoor exposure. Close off unused rooms to conserve heat.
Heating Safety:
- Safe Heating Sources: Use only safe, ventilated heat sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters, following all manufacturer instructions.
- Ventilation and Clearances: Ensure proper ventilation when using alternative heat sources. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
- Fire Safety: Have fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors.
- Kerosene Heater Safety (If Used): Use correct fuel, refuel outdoors when cool, keep heaters away from flammable objects, and ensure proper ventilation and fire safeguards.
Flood Safety:
- Evacuation Routes: Plan and know safe routes to high ground from your home or business.
- Vehicle Fuel: Keep your vehicle fueled as gas stations may be affected by power outages.
- Flood Levels: Understand your property’s flood risk.
- Emergency Supplies: Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber for waterproofing.
- Travel in Flooded Conditions: Never drive on flooded roads. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Six inches of moving water can cause loss of vehicle control. Two feet can float a car. If trapped in a car in rising water, abandon the vehicle and seek higher ground or refuge on the roof. Do not bypass road barriers.
For more comprehensive winter safety information, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety. For non-emergency assistance in New York State, dial 211 or visit 211nys.org.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) is dedicated to providing leadership and support for disaster and emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on social media or visit dhses.ny.gov.
