BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As lake effect snow and strong winds impact portions of the Western New York region, conditions will change rapidly. You can find the latest weather updates here and closings here.
- A Winter Storm Warning is in place through Wednesday afternoon for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties.
- A Cold Weather Advisory is in place from 10 p.m. Monday through 1 p.m. Tuesday for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties for wind-chills near 20 degrees below zero.
Follow the latest updates on travel conditions and alerts below.
Tuesday, January 20, 7:30 p.m. update
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has cancelled its travel advisory for all of Genesee County.
"Weather conditions throughout this week will continue to make travel difficult," Genesee County Sheriff's Office said. "Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution due to potential for blowing and drifting snow accumulation on roads."
Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. update
7 News Senior Reporter Taylor Epps was in the Southtowns on Tuesday as lake effect snow and strong winds impacted the area. Watch her report below.
Tuesday, January 20, 5:30 p.m. update
7 News Senior Reporter Maki Becker was in Chautauqua County as lake effect snow and wind caused a series of crashes on the I-90. The Fredonia Fire Department said approximately 60 vehicles were involved in crashes over a 6-mile stretch of the westbound I-90. You can find more in the video below.
Tuesday, January 20, 2 p.m. update
Snow drifts and the potential for dangerous commutes forced many Western New York schools to close on Tuesday. You can find more in the video below.
Tuesday, January 20, 1 p.m. update
Drivers were stranded overnight Monday to Tuesday at the Angola Service Area on the New York State Thruway due to heavy snow. Joe Chenelly, one of the drivers who was stranded, messaged us on social media. According to Chenelly, about 40 people stayed in the food court overnight as the parking lot and access road were not plowed. He said several trucks had stopped, which blocked access to the gas and the exits. A spokesperson for the NYS Thruway Authority told 7 News that crews worked to clear the parking lots to allow drivers to leave.
Tuesday, January 20, 12:30 p.m. update
The Buffalo Skyway has reopened.
Tuesday, January 20, 9 a.m. update
The Buffalo Skyway remains closed.
A travel advisory remains in place in the Town of Dunkirk.
Monday, January 19, 7 p.m. update
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Genesee County Highway Department, Emergency Management Services, and the County Manage, issued a travel advisory for all of Genesee County effective until further notice.
Monday, January 19, 6:30 p.m. update
7 News reporter Jiovanni Lieggi was in the Southtowns on Monday as lake effect snow and strong winds impacted the area. Watch his report below.
7 News Senior Reporter Eileen Buckley was up in Niagara County and the Northtowns as they cleaned up from lake effect snow that impacted the region overnight and early Monday. Watch her report below.
Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera joined Voices to provide an update on the county's response to lake effect snow. You can watch the conversation below.
Monday, January 19, 4:40 p.m. update
The Town of Dunkirk is issuing a travel advisory for today that may extend into Wednesday.
Monday, January 19, 1:30 p.m. update
SUNY Fredonia canceled the start of its spring semester Wednesday, January 21, due to the storm.
"This decision is being made proactively as students have been away from campus for the winter break and need to travel back to the Fredonia area. Given the current travel conditions and the forecast, we do not want students travelling back to campus right now. Students and employees have received emails with additional information."
Monday, January 19, noon update
Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, the City of Buffalo closed the Skyway to all traffic effective until 2 p.m. on Monday.
City officials said residents can find plowing and snow operations updates here and find storm preparedness, alerts, and resources here.
A travel advisory was issued for the City of Dunkirk effective 11:45 a.m. on Monday.
"Due to worsening blowing snow and near whiteout conditions, the City of Dunkirk Police Department, in cooperation with the Mayor's Office, DPW, and DFD, is issuing a travel advisory until further notice. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged," a release said.
A travel advisory for the Village of Fredonia and the Town of Pomfret will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday and continue through 6 p.m on Wednesday, January 21.
"A travel advisory is issued when conditions pose a real or potential risk to motorists and may make travel difficult," a release said. "Residents are urged to limit unnecessary travel, allow extra time, and use caution if driving is required. Roads may be slick, visibility may be reduced, and conditions can change rapidly."
Sunday, January 18, 10 p.m. update
Erie County and City of Buffalo leaders issued a countywide travel advisory as of 10 p.m. Sunday.
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In addition, beginning Monday, the city will enforce alternate side street parking in neighborhoods to assist plow operations.
