BOSTON, N.Y. (WKBW) — It might almost be March, but for people in Southern Erie County, it felt more like the middle of January - at least, what January is supposed to feel like.
Thanks to a very mild winter, January 2020 was not as blustery as it was in 2019.
Instead, drivers heading into the Southtowns on February 27th saw "Blizzard Warning" signs flashing along Rt.219.
The biggest problem with the late season storm was the wind and the shifting snow bands.
Many roads were already icy from the rain that came before the snow and strong gusts created large snowdrifts in both roadways and driveways.
Even Kissing Bridge ski resort was affected.
While skiers were thrilled with the fresh snow, the high winds made it impossible to use the resort's main ski lift. In addition, Kissing Bridge closed early (5 p.m. instead of 10 p.m) because of high wind concerns.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly and News Photographer Jason Fair took the 7 First Alert Mobile Weather Lab to Orchard Park, Concord, Glenwood, Springville and Boston to see how conditions were impacting people.
Some were more enthusiastic about the situation. Billy White recently returned to Western New York, after spending 25 years in Tennessee. He was happily sporting shorts while walking in Gowanda.
"This is what winter's all about, it's about snow," he said.
Kyle Lindner rode his bike home from his friend's house in Gowanda because it's a quicker alternative than walking.
"People wonder why they make knobby tires for bikes, this is the reason," he said.
Southern Erie County can expect to see much of the same conditions on Friday.
