BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he is not so far calling for a countywide driving ban as another storm bears down on Western New York.
But he is "Strongly recommending that employers use remote work if possible. We want to keep the number of vehicles off the roads the next day or two just so that we have an opportunity to get out and clear the roads. "
A Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued for Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming counties from 1 PM today through 7 PM Thursday. In this area, 1 to 3 feet of snow is possible, especially in parts of the City of Buffalo.
Poloncarz says the county's Department of Public Works is on 24-hour work schedules with 12-hour shifts. He says they'll be working through the night to keep up with the storm as it moves through the county.
Poloncarz says highway crews are also still working to remove snow or push back the edges for the width of the roads. The county is still technically under a travel advisory from this past weekend's storm because of all the heavy road equipment and dump trucks on the roads in the snow removal effort.
Poloncarz says he has been in contact with the head of the Superintendents Association of Erie County and he expects a number of schools to be closed on Wednesday. Some schools, including Buffalo and Orchard Park, have already announced they're closing. A source tells wgrz.com that 90 percent of the Erie County school districts are expected to do so.
A spokesman for Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says they have been communicating with Erie County officials about the weather and will continue to evaluate conditions. But the Mayor on Tuesday afternoon also said "People should be safe on their commute if they take the proper time if they leave early and take the proper time to get to work. So from consulting with the National Weather Service, some of the meteorologists in town, and the work that our Department of Public Works does, we decided not to implement a driving ban in the City of Buffalo and we think that people will be able to safely get to work and do the things that they have to do."
The mayor's spokesman says he does not feel there is any mixed messaging between the comments of the Mayor and the County Executive. But he added that if employers do indeed decide to have staffers work remotely that is up to them.
Many school districts canceled classes Tuesday afternoon. You can see the full list on WGRZ.COM.
To learn more visit www3.erie.gov/health/winter-storms-extreme-cold
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says that while this storm on Wednesday won't be as impactful as this past weekend's storm, everyone should be prepared. “While this next wave of weather isn’t expected to be as impactful as last weekend’s storm, New Yorkers should still be prepared,” Governor Hochul said in a release. “Our State agencies are continuing to work around the clock to monitor conditions, clear the roads support localities. My top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Hochul's office says the New York State Thruway Authority is shifting staff and snow-fighting equipment from Syracuse, Albany, and New York Divisions.
That equipment includes:
- 355 large and medium-duty plow trucks
- 10 tow plows
- 65 loaders
- Approximately 118,000 tons of salt on hand
Call 2-1-1 for a warming center, emergency shelter information, and free confidential referrals to basic needs such as food if needed.
The City of Buffalo held a news conference Tuesday afternoon ahead of the next round of Lake Effect snow.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the city is ahead of the game with planning and preparation, and three warming shelters are currently open for those that need it.
The city said it is preparing for specialty bans that may be issued and heavy snowfall from 1-3 feet is forecasted.
