CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — The blizzard hitting Western New York has forced the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to close the airfield, but it is set to reopen in the next 24 hours.
Channel 2 News learned Tuesday morning that the airfield at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is still expected to reopen at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The NFTA is strongly encouraging travelers to checked with their airlines on the status of their flights.
"Pittsburgh Airport has reached out and will be sending some snow plowing equipment to assist and airport crews are working around the clock to ensure safe travels as soon as possible," a statement released Monday said.
High winds and heavy snow over the weekend made travel visibility difficult and created snow drifts. The airport recorded a wind gust of 72 mph around 10 a.m. Friday morning.
The National Weather Service reported at 12:20 p.m. on Saturday that the visibility at the airport was zero.
All flights at the Buffalo airport are canceled. You should check with your airline to follow up on your flight.
The NFTA Police, Buffalo Airport Fire and Airfield are assisting in rescuing stranded motorists around the airport. On Saturday evening the NFTA reported that 172 people are taking cover at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport including 60 passengers, rescued motorists, and airport employees.
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