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Buffalo Weather News: NYS Freeway, I-90 Closed Due To Weather

by NowPublic Staff | December 2, 2010 at 12:01 pm

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Buffalo News: Bad Weather In Buffalo Closes NYS Freeway, I-90 (photo)

State Police and troopers are beginning to clear the snow caused traffic jam that left Buffalo area motorists stranded on the NYS Freeway, I-90 for up to 12 hours, the Buffalo News is reporting.

Capt. Michael Nigrelli of the State Police said all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and tow trucks manned by police and fire personnel are evacuating Thruway travelers to the Cheektowaga Senior Center, which is serving as an emergency operations center. But the plan is also to keep picking off the traffic jam one vehicle at a time with the goal of getting traffic moving again.

"We're making headway, that's for sure," he said.

Hundreds of motorists were stranded on I-90 stuck on the Buffalo freeway because an accident cause a back up, combined with the bad weather, hundreds of motorists became stuck on the NYS Freeway.

Authorities are trying to keep the stranded motorists warm and hydrated. Officers and firefighters have been delivering water and gasoline to vehicles in need throughout the morning hours.

Lake effect snow warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for areas on the eastern ends of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. "In lake effect snow the weather can vary from locally heavy snow in narrow bands to clear skies just a few miles away," the advisories said, warning travelers to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Officials are warning motorists to avoid the I-90 and all the streets that lead to it until police can clear up the traffic jam. However, judging by the Twitter Updates some Buffalo area residents are upset by the whole situation.