A state of emergency is in place in the city of Salamanca in Cattaraugus County. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says the city was hit hard by more than a foot of heavy, wet snow.
"We have so many trees on so many lines at this point, basically they’re just trying to get limbs, branches trees off of lines,” said Salamanca Mayor Mike Smith.
Smith tells WBFO News many streets in his city are impassable with about 20-downed trees. Power was knocked out to the city around 2 a.m. Salamanca has its own municipal electric system, so city crews are working to restore power to residents, but Mayor Smith says restoration could be hours or days.
“We have so many trees down that before we can even determine where the power is out is, we have to get all off all the power lines,” Smith explained. “We’ve got lines in streets and lines on vehicles.”
Mayor Smith said some residents who rely on oxygen have called for help.
“Our fire chief – made a great call – hooked us up with 200-bottles of portable oxygen, so we’re able to deliver to people homes if they call saying ‘I have no power and my oxygen is not working’ our guys are bringing them oxygen.
Salamanca High School is being used as an emergency shelter for residents. The Mayor urges residents of no unnecessary travel.
The Mayor also announced the Allegany Community Center is open as a shelter and anyone who needs transportation should call Salamanca Police or fire.
