Conditions in downtown Buffalo deteriorated quickly late Thursday morning as a Lake Effect snow band whipped off the lake. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley was in the midst of whiteout conditions in downtown Buffalo.
Heavy Lake Effect snows made driving treacherous in downtown Buffalo. Shortly after Buffalo Police closed down the Skyway at Route 5-between the 190 and Tift Street there was a large tractor trailer rig idled in the snowy conditions above the span.
Visibility was down to zero at times. At The Ice at Canalside walking was difficult. But despite the heavy snows and poor visibility the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation gathered to announce at addition of Broomball and Pond Hockey.
Harbor chair Robert Gioia telling WBFO News Buffalo's weather is what the outdoor rinks are all about. "And the weather's cooperating perfectly," said Gioia. "But where else would you rather want to be."
The Skyway has since reopened.
Heavy snow and icy conditions stalled traffic in parts of the city with motorists at times finding themselves in near whiteout conditions in Buffalo.
The 219 Northbound at Ridge Road was also closed due to a jackknifed tractor trailer.
There were earlier reports of numerous spin outs and slow moving traffic along the 90 East and West between the Williamsville Tolls and Transit Road.
The National Weather Service had also reproted zero visibility at the Buffalo Airport.