High winds, power outages, and flooding are all causing major problems in Western New York, early Friday morning.
As of 5 o'clock Friday morning more than 35,000 people are without power in Erie County via National Grid and NYSEG; and roughly 10,000 people are without power in Niagara County.
Multiple school districts have closed Friday morning due to power outages.
In addition, power outages could be in place for 48 hours around Erie County.
BREAKING: power outages could be in place for 48 hours around Erie County. That was a "pessimistic" view from Erie County leaders. "Optimistic" was end of the day today. @WKBW
— Ed Drantch (@EdDrantch) November 1, 2019
Several roads are closed all over Western New York:
Clarence
- Salt Rd Between Lapp and Parker
- Lapp between Strickler and Goodrich
I-190 NB Exit 21
- Exit Ramp closed
Hamburg/Lackawanna
- (Route 5 Westbound) Closed from Ridge Road in the City of Lackawanna to Route 179 in the Town of Hamburg (2.5 miles) because of Flooding
Trees and power lines are down all across Western New York.
@WGRZ @news4buffalo @WKBW pic.twitter.com/o2vD9KqkzS
— BILLS 5-1 (@ItsRyanPuleo) November 1, 2019
BREAKING: At least 20 streets are blocked due to down trees from the high winds. Also a number of traffic signals are either out or on flash. Motorists asked to use caution & treat intersections without traffic signals as 4 way stops.
— Buffalo Police Dept (@BPDAlerts) November 1, 2019
We’re following the crazy winds WNY is seeing. Just saw a transformer sparking near Route 5 at the Outer Harboer. We’re here now and there is not power at all @WKBW
— Jeff Slawson (@Jeffslawson) November 1, 2019
This is one of many trees/branches down in the city of Buffalo. Winds are still brutal this morning. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/ehj4w6miSe
— WKBW Photog -- "BNL" (@PhotogWKBW) November 1, 2019
RIGHT NOW: Here's what the intersection of Route 5 and Big Tree Road looks like. This section of the road is closed right now. @WKBW https://t.co/duH4iPixGU
— Katie Morse (@KatieMorseNews) November 1, 2019
Several communities across Western New York are requiring mandatory or voluntary evacuations.
Grand Island officials are warning neighbors on North and South Colony Road, Bronson Road, and low-lying areas on East River Road.
Voluntary evacuation of all residences on Southshore Drive and Midshore Drive in Hoover Beach.
— Hamburg ESU (@HamburgESU) November 1, 2019
All residents are asked to report to the community center, or seek shelter out of the Hoover Beach area.
Officials in Chautauqua County are telling people to be aware of a voluntary evacuation of the Sunset Bay area in Irving due to lake shore flooding.
This is a developing story we will continue to update.
