Emergency Alert Issued for Western New York as Severe Storm Hits

Counties Under State of Emergency

• Erie County

• Chautauqua County

• Cattaraugus County

• Genesee County

• Allegany County

• Wyoming County

Areas Expected to Receive Significant Snowfall

• Southern Erie County (Brant, Eden, Evans, Hamburg, Orchard Park)

Overnight Shelters Open

• 586 Genesee St., Buffalo, N.Y., 14204 (Open 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.)

• Dulski Center, 129 Lewis St., Buffalo, N.Y., 14206 (Open 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.)

Daytime Warming Center

• 586 Genesee St., Buffalo, N.Y., 14204

Travel and Parking Restrictions

• Travel restrictions in place for several counties.

• Winter parking regulations in effect in the City of Buffalo starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Weather Forecast

• Snow totals significant over two-day period.

• Winds expected to reach gusts of up to 30 mph, creating whiteout conditions.

The snow totals are significant, but they are falling over a two-day period, which is considered manageable. Several other counties across New York have also been put under a state of emergency.

Travel Restrictions and Parking Bans

Travel restrictions and parking bans are in effect for the affected areas. The City of Buffalo’s winter parking regulations will go into effect on Saturday at 6 a.m.

Code Blue and Overnight Shelters

A Code Blue has been put into effect for Friday night in Erie County and the City of Buffalo. The following overnight shelters will be open:

• 586 Genesee St., Buffalo, N.Y., 14204 — Open 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• Dulski Center, 129 Lewis St., Buffalo, N.Y., 14206 — Open 8 p.m. to 7 am

Daytime Warming Center

A daytime warming center will be open on Saturday at:

Residents are excused from church and other activities due to the storm. The Bills game on Sunday night is expected to take place without snowfall in the area around Highmark Stadium, but significant snow is expected in the days leading up to the game.

Snow Totals and Lake-Effect Snow

Several feet of snow are expected in areas off the lake, including Southern Erie County and Chautauqua County. The highest lake-effect potential will target higher elevation areas south of Rt. 20A starting on Friday. Winds on Friday and Saturday are expected to be strong, creating whiteout conditions.

Weather Forecast

For the latest weather forecast, click here.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul, an “extreme impact” is expected for multiple towns in Southern Erie County, including Brant, Eden, Evans, Hamburg, and parts of Orchard Park. Northern Erie County is expected to receive six inches or less of snow.

The area around Highmark Stadium is expected to receive 20-30 inches of snow leading up to the Bills game on Sunday night.