A winter storm rolled across the Western New York region dumping heavy wet snow, knocking out power to thousands and leaving roadways treacherous.
“We are asking people to be very caution, the roads are still slippery,” Hochul declared. “If you don’t have to be on the roads, please avoid them, so the crews can continue their clean up,” said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul in a WBFO News interview with Jay Moran Friday morning.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee and Allegany counties until 1 p.m. Friday. The storm began early Thursday evening.
Power outages have affected 25,000 National Grid and New York State Electric & Gas customers, with the hardest hit areas in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.
Nine inches of snow fell in the metro Buffalo area with 18 inches of snow in parts of the Southern Tier.
“What we are seeing is tapering of the snow from overnight, but it was a really major snow event. We still have major closures in some of the areas and on the Thruway particularly in the Pennsylvania area we’re asking people to be aware the Ripley area is closed if you’re heading westbound – there is a detour down there,” Hochul stated.
Heavy snow fall Thursday evening brought down power lines in parts of the region.
“There was heavy snow fall overnight and we are also concerned about the power outages, which primarily are concentrated in Cattaraugus County, down near Salamanca,” Hochul explained. “People without power, without heat – that’s a huge concern of ours. We are working closely with the utility companies to make sure they get the power restored as soon as possible.”
The city of Salamanca mayor has declared a State of Emergency. Mayor Mike Smith posted on his Facebook page that “due to power outages and over 20 trees down. Please NO unnecessary travel! Stay in, stay safe & stay warm.” The mayor said many streets are impassable in his city.
Snow fall amounts vary throughout Cattaraugus County. Perrysburg measured 21-inches. In Chautauqua County Forestville had 22 inches of snow fall. In Erie County, Eden had the highest snow fall of 20.4 inches, East Aurora 18.6, Boston 18 and 15 in Orchard Park.
“We took this very seriously. We had over 105 personnel from the Thruway Authority alone activated in the Buffalo division, 72 pieces of equipment are in service,” Hochul said.
There are road closures in some areas of the region. Many schools are closed across the region Friday. The Buffalo Zoo is also closed Friday.
In the city of Buffalo, Buffalo Police report on Twitter city crews will “begin plowing side streets” Friday morning. City residents are urged to following parking regulations on their streets.
Travel advisories were in place for the city of Niagara Falls, Town of Hamburg , Eden and Cattaraugus County.