One day after heavy lake effect snows hit the Buffalo metro area, people across the city are still digging out.
The storm, along with accidents, forced the closure of two major southbound routes on Wednesday: Route 5 and portions of the I-190. The closures resulted in massive traffic jams that turned, what were normally, short commutes into hours-long trips.
During a noontime press conference, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the city's snow plan did work but the storm's intensity, combined with stalled vehicles, made it very difficult for traffic.
Officials do not plan to make any adjustments to the snow plan but advise residents to consider alternate routes if the same situation happens again - especially side streets.
During the storm, Buffalo deployed over 30 pieces of equipment that attacked problems on main and secondary routes. The focus has now shifted to side streets.
However, drivers in the city are being asked to follow alternate side parking regulations. About 60% of Buffalo streets are covered by those regulations and tonight is the time for drivers to switch sides.
Cars that end up blocking plows could be ticketed or mini-towed to another location.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his reports.
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