Erie County Issues Travel Advisory Ahead of Major Winter Storm

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County will be under a Travel Advisory, starting at 10 p.m. Sunday, as Western New York braces for a storm that's expected to impact the region through Wednesday. That announcement was made Sunday evening during a news conference in downtown Buffalo that included Erie County Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera, Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan, and both county and city commissioners. "We are fortunate that schools and businesses are closed (Monday) to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, that will help greatly in removing the snow process," Chimera said. Ryan urged Buffalo residents to move their cars in anticipation of Monday's alternate side street parking, in an attempt to help plow drivers clear city streets. Trash and recycling collection will also continue as scheduled. Ryan said there are 40 pieces of equipment ready, more than 2,000 tons of salt on hand, and over 20 Department of Public Works crews ready to help. He added that there are over 20 contractors available, with over 1,000 pieces of equipment, should more help be required with this weather event. It's not just going to be Erie County dealing with significant wintry weather to start the work week. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Niagara, Northern Erie, Orleans, and Genesee counties from 1 p.m. Sunday until 4 p.m. Wednesday, and from 7 a.m. Monday until 3 p.m. Wednesday for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Southern Erie counties. Roughly 10 to 20 inches of snow could be possible in the areas where the heaviest bands of snow set up, with locally higher amounts possible. Plan for difficult travel Monday and Tuesday. In addition to the heavy snow, temperatures will be very cold heading into next week with the coldest air of the season so far expected on Tuesday as wind chill values could fall to between 10 and 20 below zero.