By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Strong gusty winds buffeted the Buffalo area Wednesday. Most area schools were closed. Power was out for tens of thousands of area residents.
As of 11am, National Grid was reporting more than 35,000 customers were without power throughout Western New York. New York State Electric and Gas reported 20,000 of its customers had lost power. Erie County is hardest hit so far.
The National Weather Service is continuing a high wind warning until 6:00 Wednesday evening for gusts of more than 60 miles per hour. A peak gust of 68 miles per hour was reported at the airport weather station shortly before 9am. A gust of 81 miles per hour was reported in Lockport.
A flash flood warning was issued Wednesday morning for flooding that was reported along the Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo River and Niagara River. Lake levels were ten feet above their base figure. There was widespread flooding from the Buffalo River in the city's Old First Ward. Lake ice had breached the ice boom and clogged the Niagara River.
The National Weather Service upgraded a winter weather advisory to a Lake Effect Storm Warning through 3pm Wednesday. Blowing snow was causing reduced visibility for drivers.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is open, but spokesman Doug Hartmayer says travelers should check the status of their flights because there are delays.
Dozens of traffic lights were out, some at major intersections.