BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Lake Effect Snow Warning in effect for parts of Western New York, including the City of Buffalo.
Due to heavy snow in the city and poor visibility, the Buffalo Skyway was closed in both directions Thursday morning from Ridge Road to Church Street. The Buffalo Police Department advised drivers to use alternate routes in the meantime and to use extra caution on the roadways.
The Skyway was reopened some time past 7 p.m.
During an update Thursday afternoon, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the city is prepared to handle the continued snowfall. The mayor went on to say that crews and plows have been out in every quadrant of the city in an effort to continuously remove snow.
"The snow continues to fall and we're asking people to exercise good judgment and patience as you are driving today [Thursday]. If you don't have to be outside driving, we recommend people to stay at home and not come out," Brown said.
According to Brown, the New York State Department of Transportation is providing assistance to the City of Buffalo by helping plow the main roadways. Brown says this assistance from New York State will help the city get to other main streets, secondary streets and residential streets more quickly.
To help reduce potential congestion in Buffalo during rush hour, Brown says the city is allowing non-essential employees in city government to start going home at 1:15 p.m. Those who plan on coming down to Buffalo City Hall for business Thursday afternoon are being advised to call the specific department they're planning on visiting before heading down.
"The building is still open, but most departments will be sending workers home to reduce rush hour congestion," Brown said.
The Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in effect for Erie and Genesee counties until 1 a.m. Friday. According to Storm Team 2, heavy lake effect snow is possible as well as winds gusting up to 40 mph. Snow totals of 10 to 15 inches are possible.
This combination can make for very poor visibility and thus very treacherous driving conditions where travel may become very hazardous or even impossible at times.
The New York State Department of Transportation recommends calling 511 or visiting www.511ny.org for real-time travel information.