The New York State Thruway is experiencing significant disruptions due to lake effect snow impacting western New York, forcing authorities to close the highway to all traffic. As of November 30, 2024, traffic cameras at various locations along Interstate 90, such as at Exit 59 in Dunkirk, showed hazardous driving conditions early in the morning. Given the forecast predicting multiple feet of snowfall in certain regions, state officials took decisive action by shutting down a 60-mile stretch of the Thruway between Exit 57 (Hamburg-East Aurora) and the Pennsylvania state line since Friday evening. The closure of this vital roadway is to last until further notice, as safety is a primary concern for motorists.
In addition to the highway closure, state officials have implemented a full ban on commercial vehicles traveling on the Thruway between Exit 46 in Henrietta (connecting to Interstate 390) and the Pennsylvania border. This prohibition affects all vehicle types going both ways along that stretch, although Interstate 190 near Buffalo remains exempt from these restrictions. The actions taken underline the seriousness of the situation, as heavy snow accumulation leads to substantially diminished visibility and unsafe travel conditions throughout the affected areas.
The snow predictions indicate substantial accumulation, with estimates suggesting 1 to 2 feet of snowfall in the Buffalo Metro Area, particularly affecting South Buffalo and surrounding southern suburbs. The snowfall is expected to commence early Saturday, lasting until the evening of Sunday, which could drastically impair travel and create treacherous conditions on the roads. The forecast emphasizes the anticipation of hazardous conditions and highlights the importance of travelers considering alternative arrangements if they must venture out.
In Allegany County, snowfall projections range from 6 to 10 inches mainly in the northwest region, while Genesee County can expect between 6 to 12 inches in its southwestern areas. The timing of snowfall in both counties aligns with the broader weather warnings, suggesting a period of sustained snowfall with potentially hazardous morning and evening commutes as conditions deteriorate. Local authorities are bracing for the possibility of snow-covered roads due to the heavy snowfall forecasted for the weekend.
The western region of New York, encompassing Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie Counties, is anticipated to experience between 3 to 4 feet of snow, particularly in the intensifying bands of precipitation. With the danger posed by such heavy snowfall, travel could become nearly impossible in those zones, prompting officials to keep the highway closed. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed weather alerts, as the severity of the situation continues to develop throughout the weekend.
The Eastern Lake Ontario Region, including Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties, is also expecting considerable snow accumulation, ranging from 4 to 5 feet near Watertown and the northern Tug Hill region. With the timing of the snowfall mirroring other regions, authorities predict dangerous travel conditions that could lead to significant disruptions. The state is urging all residents and travelers to stay updated with the latest weather warnings and to exercise caution, as the inclement weather is likely to persist, influencing travel plans and safety across western and central New York.