Well, the weather outside is frightful. Starting yesterday, the snow arrived in bands, hitting parts of WNY much harder than others — and if to add to the drama, it was accompanied in many places by thunder and lightning. The Buffalo News has stories and photos.
Shortly before noon today, City Hall declared a driving ban in South Buffalo, the hardest hit part of the city. Map of affected area is here. “I had the chance to talk with the Commissioner this morning. The streets are in horrendous condition,” South District Councilman Mickey Kearns told me. Mickey was in the district much of the morning assessing conditions, and I caught up with him as he was huddled with staff. “There is an unprecedented amount of snow. It’s heavy, and it will be time-consuming to remove. Public works is now in the process of trying to clear the secondaries that haven’t been done.”
“People need to stay home, engage in no unneccessary travel, and let the plow drivers do their jobs.” Sound advice.
West Seneca has also issued an advisory against unneccessary travel. By the time the snow stops falling (expected overnight), some communities may be under a 32 inch blanket of snow!
The City is encouraging folks to stay tuned to local radio for updates, such as AM 930 WBEN (which has a strong signal and wide coverage), and FM 88.7 WBFO.
Councilman Kearns also invites folks from South Buffalo to contact his office, at 851-5169, with any questions.
From all of us here at Buffalo Rising, please stay safe, stay warm, and — if you must drive — please drive carefully!
And if you have a storm story, please post a comment.