BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — On a beautiful summer-like day in Western New York, hardly anyone was thinking about snow - but remember last year, when significant snow fell early in November and the month ended up with above average snowfall.
One of those planning for wintry weather is the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The DOT has plows, equipment and salt ready to go, said spokesperson Susan Surdej. "We are in full ice and snow readiness mode."
Crews for the DOT will once again be using tow-plows to clear roads. Drivers are reminded tow-plows can appear to be jackknifing when they are deploying sideways, said NYSDOT plow driver Michael Cross.
As always, the safest place when driving in snowy weather is on freshly plowed roads behind at plow, added Cross.
The 7 Eyewitness News Weather Team is predicting that this will be another winter with a large amount of snow - especially during the second half.
Fox Tire in Buffalo got slammed with customers in 2018 when Buffalo had its first significant snowfall on November 9th. Owner Eric Fox said people are starting to buy snow tires and he encourages all drivers to check the condition of their tires before the snow falls to avoid getting stuck or being in an accident.
Have you checked your snow blower? If not , you should.
Repair shops, like Schaub Equipment in West Seneca, are already backed up with snow blower repairs. That will only get worse with snow. "The phone has been going all day," said Tom Koenig, who has been a mechanic for Schaub Equipment (and former co-owner) since 1964. "Usually, it snows before we get to everybody and then they are really mad," added Koenig.
Koenig said you should see if your snow blower starts and operates properly. Even if it needs a tuneup, you can still use it until the backlog of repairs thins out. If it itsn't working, get on a list to have it repaired ASAP - and don't forget to check the oil, said Koenig.
The Erie County Department of Public Works said road repair crews will be working as long as they can into November - weather depending. Right now, most major projects scheduled for this construction season have been concluded, said a spokesperson for the county, with others scheduled to be finished in the near future.
According to Erie County:
"We are happy to inform your viewers that the majority of those previously announced projects have been completed or on schedule to be completed in the near future, including:
-Construction work on Wehrle Drive in Amherst
-Replacement of North Ellicott Road bridge in Tonawanda
-Mill and overlay work on Zimmerman Road in Boston
-Mill and overlay work on McKinley Parkway in Hamburg
-Mill and overlay work on Freeman Road in Orchard Park
-Mill and overlay work on Goodrich Road in Clarence
-Mill and overlay work on Lake Street in Lancaster
-Mill and overlay work on Vaughan Street in Concord
It should be noted road projects are being done throughout the county this year, including in the towns of Concord, Evans, Orchard Park, Clarence, Tonawanda, Holland, Hamburg, Aurora, Alden, Amherst, Boston, Lancaster and Grand Island as well as in the cities of Lackawanna and Tonawanda.
The projects currently underway and will continue to be worked on for the rest of this year that will likely need to be completed in 2020 are:
-East/West Road from Route 240 to Leydecker Road in West Seneca
-Rehabilitation and reconstruction of North/South Main Street from Route 20 to Route 5 in Angola
-Lake Avenue reconstruction from Route 5 to South Park Avenue in Blasdell
-Amsdell Road culvert project in Hamburg
-Trevett Road bridge over Eighteen Mile Creek in Boston
-Maple Road from Hopkins Road to Transit Road in Amherst
-Dona Street extension in Lackawanna"
You can view the full list of projects for Erie County here.
