Erie County Under Driving Bans and Emergency Declarations Due to Severe Lake Effect Snow

Erie County, along with several other counties in Western New York, is under a State of Emergency and multiple driving bans due to a severe lake effect snow storm. Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming counties to ensure efficient response and access to additional resources.

The National Weather Service has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Western New York, including Erie County, until 1 pm on Friday, December 13. This warning indicates that the area can expect significant snowfall, with accumulation totals of two to three feet and snowfall rates of two to three inches per hour. Strong winds are also forecasted, which may cause whiteout conditions and make travel extremely hazardous.

Several roads in Erie County are closed to all traffic due to the severe weather conditions. These include NY Route 5 from NY 179 to I-190, US 219 from I-90 to Peters Road, and NY Route 400 from I-90 to NY 16. Additionally, there is a tandem and empty trailer ban in effect for US 219 from I-90 to I-86 and I-86 from US 219 to the Pennsylvania state line.

Local authorities have also implemented travel bans in various towns within Erie County. The towns of Brant, Evans, and the town and village of Hamburg, as well as Blasdell, have travel bans in effect. The I-90 Exit 55, which serves Springville, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, West Seneca, and US Route 219, is also closed until further notice.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has declared a state of emergency for the county, emphasizing the need for residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed about local weather forecasts and road conditions.

The New York State Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority are actively responding to the situation with extensive resources, including over 3,500 supervisors and operators, numerous plow trucks, loaders, and tons of salt. Motorists are advised to check real-time travel information by calling 511 or visiting the official traffic and travel information website.