BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As lake effect snow and bitterly cold temperatures impact Western New York, conditions will change rapidly. You can check the latest closings here and follow the latest updates on travel conditions and alerts below.
You can find the most up-to-date forecast from the 7 Weather team here.
Wednesday, 1:45 p.m. update
All travel advisories in Erie County have been lifted.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. update
The Buffalo Skyway has reopened in both directions.
Tuesday, 6 p.m. update
Michael Schwartz spent his day on Tuesday tracking the lake effect snow across Western New York. You can watch the full report below.
Tuesday, 4 p.m. update
Shea's has postponed the "Dancing with the Stars Live" show that was scheduled to take place at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
“Due to the mayor in Buffalo declaring a State of Emergency with the ongoing lake effect snow storm tonight's show at Shea's has been postponed. New information about this show will be provided to ticket purchasers via the official ticket provider and venue channels once it is available. We send our best wishes to everyone in and around Buffalo impacted by the storm.”
The Town of Cheektowaga is suspending garbage and recycling pickup for Wednesday. Collection for the rest of the week will be pushed back one day.
Tuesday, 3 p.m. update
The Kenmore-Tonawanda Municipal Building is closed for the remainder of the day due to a water main break. Village Court is canceled Tuesday evening but the regularly scheduled Village Board meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. as scheduled.
Tuesday, 2 p.m. update
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced all Erie County offices will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The county is working with the Buffalo and NYS Court Systems to stagger closures so that downtown streets are not flooded with traffic. Programs and services including the Jesse Nash Health Center at 608 William Street will close at 3 p.m. If you have a scheduled appointment after 3 p.m. you're asked to contact the respective office.
The Town of Amherst issued a travel advisory and canceled the town board meeting.
Tuesday, 1 p.m. update
Acting Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Buffalo. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors.
"My top priority is the safety of city residents. The city's emergency response team continues to actively monitor the storm and is working with our local and state agencies to respond effectively to this severe weather event."
Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. update
All Buffalo Medical Group offices will close at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Tuesday, noon update
The Buffalo Skyway has closed due to worsening weather conditions. Drivers are asked to use alternative routes and avoid any unnecessary travel.
Buffalo City Hall will also close at 3 p.m. Monday.
Tuesday, 9:20 a.m. update
Orchard Park police announced Route 219 has reopened. A travel advisory remains in place. Please avoid any unnecessary travel.
Tuesday, 9 a.m. update
A travel ban has been issued for the Town of Brant. Brant Town Hall is also closed.
The Town of Evans lifted its travel ban overnight but a travel advisory remains in place.
There is also a travel advisory for much of Erie County.
A Travel Advisory exists for much of Erie County. There are no Travel/Driving Bans in effect currently. Please exercise caution if traveling in areas where snow fell last night or is currently falling. pic.twitter.com/qHeo1k0a7B
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) January 21, 2025
Monday, 10:30 p.m. update
Waste Management trash collections in Alden, Aurora, Boston, Clarence, Colden, Concord, Eden, Holland, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Springville and Wyoming County have been moved to a one-day delay. Commercial customers are also impacted.
"We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers, but due to weather conditions, extreme temperatures and our concern for public safety and our WM Employees, we are closing operations tomorrow. Customers should expect a one-day delay in services. For service updates please visit wm.com."
Monday, 9 p.m. update
A travel advisory has been issued for the City of Lackawanna. No unnecessary travel is advised.
A travel advisory is also in effect for East Aurora and the Town of Hamburg, including the Villages of Hamburg and Blasdell.
Monday, 8:30 p.m. update
Acting Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon activated the City of Buffalo's snow-fighting fleet with pre-staging efforts in South Buffalo.
The following warming shelters will remain open until further notice:
- Delavan Grider Community Center at 877 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215.
- Tosh Collins Community Center at 35 Cazenovia Street, Buffalo, NY 14220.
Buffalo garbage collection is rescheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Trash and recycling pickup in the City of Buffalo scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, is canceled. Regular service will resume next Tuesday, January 28, for residents with a Tuesday pickup.
— Mayor Chris Scanlon (@MayorScanlon) January 21, 2025
Please plan accordingly and thank you for your cooperation. pic.twitter.com/PRjWJHIpc8
Buffalo residents on alternate parking streets are reminded to continue following regulations and are encouraged to remain indoors.
You can find more information on BuffAlert updates online here.
"We want to emphasize the safety of all residents and urge everyone to stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, please bundle up and take precautions against the extreme cold. I also want to thank Governor Hochul for declaring a state of emergency for counties across Western New York, including Erie County. This proactive measure will aid our snow removal operations and ensure we have the necessary resources to respond effectively."
Monday, 8 p.m. update
Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency for counties impacted by the storm including Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming and Allegany counties.
"As lake effect snow falls across several areas of our state, I'm declaring a State of Emergency for these areas to ensure state resources are available to assist local communities as we work together to keep New Yorkers safe throughout the duration of the storm. We also continue to deal with extreme cold which poses an extraordinary risk to anyone who is exposed to the elements or is unable to adequately heat their home, and I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast and take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe."
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced the Town of Evans has declared a State of Emergency and a Driving/Travel Ban.
Orchard Park police announced a travel advisory is in place for the Town and Village of Orchard Park due to deteriorating travel conditions and limited to no visibility. No unnecessary travel is advised.