The storm has begun.
How bad things have been depends totally on where you are.
The Skyway’s closure has significantly snarled traffic leaving Buffalo and heading south. It seems many motorists opted for South Park Avenue, which reports indicate is the equivalent of a parking lot.
Workers in downtown Buffalo have seen a few moments of blizzard-like conditions that made visibility negligible.
Barely a peep was heard from people in the northern suburbs of Erie County until about 3 p.m., when snow began to fall.
That’s what happens with lake-effect snow.
Any timetable is tricky, especially considering that a localized lake-effect snow band will dump vastly different amounts of snow on different regions within Western New York.
In the Eden and Hamburg area late this afternoon, roads are snow-covered and slippery. Squall areas are persistent, particularly on open roads. Visibility is very poor. It is difficult to see road signs, markings and traffic signals.
In the Town of Tonawanda, blowing snow was creating problems for the afternoon commute and the temperature continued to drop throughout the day.
A lake-effect snow warning went into effect starting at 11 a.m. today throughout most of the region. Niagara and Orleans counties are not expected to get hit.
But some areas, specifically South Buffalo and the northernmost Southtowns areas, could get up to 3 feet of snow by early Wednesday morning.
So some people traveling from, through or to those regions, if they have the choice, may want to leave work or do their driving earlier than normal this afternoon.
The most dangerous weather will hit tonight, starting at roughly 6 p.m., when heavy winds, blowing snow, low temperatures and frigid wind-chill readings can make traveling hazardous, especially for people stranded on impassable roads.
That’s why authorities are warning people to stay home, if possible, tonight. If they have to travel, they should remember three necessities: warm, layered clothing; blankets; and full gas tanks.
email: gwarner@buffnews.com
How bad things have been depends totally on where you are.
The Skyway’s closure has significantly snarled traffic leaving Buffalo and heading south. It seems many motorists opted for South Park Avenue, which reports indicate is the equivalent of a parking lot.
Workers in downtown Buffalo have seen a few moments of blizzard-like conditions that made visibility negligible.
Barely a peep was heard from people in the northern suburbs of Erie County until about 3 p.m., when snow began to fall.
That’s what happens with lake-effect snow.
Any timetable is tricky, especially considering that a localized lake-effect snow band will dump vastly different amounts of snow on different regions within Western New York.
In the Eden and Hamburg area late this afternoon, roads are snow-covered and slippery. Squall areas are persistent, particularly on open roads. Visibility is very poor. It is difficult to see road signs, markings and traffic signals.
In the Town of Tonawanda, blowing snow was creating problems for the afternoon commute and the temperature continued to drop throughout the day.
A lake-effect snow warning went into effect starting at 11 a.m. today throughout most of the region. Niagara and Orleans counties are not expected to get hit.
But some areas, specifically South Buffalo and the northernmost Southtowns areas, could get up to 3 feet of snow by early Wednesday morning.
So some people traveling from, through or to those regions, if they have the choice, may want to leave work or do their driving earlier than normal this afternoon.
The most dangerous weather will hit tonight, starting at roughly 6 p.m., when heavy winds, blowing snow, low temperatures and frigid wind-chill readings can make traveling hazardous, especially for people stranded on impassable roads.
That’s why authorities are warning people to stay home, if possible, tonight. If they have to travel, they should remember three necessities: warm, layered clothing; blankets; and full gas tanks.
email: gwarner@buffnews.com