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Winter storm hits Amherst early

Heavy lake-effect snows in the morning dump several inches and make roads treacherous
Posted at 7:23 PM, Jan 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-29 19:23:35-05

AMHERST, N.Y (WKBW) — The Western New York area is preparing for a potentially dangerous winter storm that is moving across the country with extremely low wind-chills.

It was predicted to hit the Buffalo area starting late afternoon Tuesday January 29th.

However, people in the Town of Amherst found that Mother Nature had other ideas as heavy lake-effect snows started falling in the morning.

Conditions on the roads continued to deteriorate throughout the day.

Amherst issued a travel advisory at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Supervisor Brian Kulpa said the goal is to reduce traffic congestion and the number of cars stuck, so emergency responders and plow drivers can focus on clearing the roads.

Sweethome, Amherst and Williamsville schools are all closed for Wednesday and Thursday because the expected wind-chills could reach -40 degrees below zero.

All senior programs are also cancelled for the next two days - but senior centers will remain open as 'warming center" options in addition to fire stations.

Officials are advising anyone who loses heat during the bitter cold to call 9-1-1 for help.

7 Eyewitness New Reporter Ed Reilly spent the day in Amherst/Williamsville and shows us what it looked like.