'This is going to be a dangerous storm': Gov. Hochul announces travel ban for Erie County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A travel ban is in place for most of Erie County and the I-90 due to the blizzard-like conditions impacting Western New York.

Update: As of 8 a.m. Sunday, the travel ban was lifted for the Towns of Holland, Colden, Sardinia, Concord, North Collins and Collins.

Tractor trailers from exit 46 to the Pennsylvania line are banned from the thruway. The Skyway is also closed in both directions until further notice.

"My top priority is to keep New Yorkers safe, and this winter storm continues to pose a life and safety risk," Governor Hochul said. "While there are some areas that are no longer experiencing whiteout conditions, much of Erie County remains unsafe for motorists. Please take precautions, monitor local forecasts, and take steps to keep you and your family safe."

Whiteouts and power outages are expected due to high wind conditions.

"We are expecting 65-mile-per-hour wind gusts throughout a very good portion of Erie County," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher is also encouraging parishioners to stay home this weekend.

"These are dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Please respect the travel bans in our communities. In light of these dangerous conditions, no one should put themselves, or others, at risk to attend Sunday Mass this weekend," Fisher said.

Governor Hochul released the following guidelines for traveling in winter weather:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, a flashlight, and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods, and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it is operating.