County Points Journey Advisory By way of Thursday Morning | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

A plow truck is pictured on Maple Avenue, Cassadaga. The village was coping with excessive winds however not numerous new snow earlier than the climate warning which took impact at 1 p.m.
Photo by Gregory Bacon

Chautauqua County officers are urging residents to keep away from journey as a serious winter storm impacts Chautauqua County, bringing heavy snowfall, sturdy winds, and quickly deteriorating highway situations.

A journey advisory has been issued for all of Chautauqua County by way of 7 a.m. Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, the Winter Storm Severity Index has reached the “Major” class, signaling harmful to not possible journey situations, widespread disruptions, and potential impacts to vital infrastructure.

Snow is actively falling throughout the county, with 18 to 24 inches of accumulation anticipated. Snowfall charges are reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour, with bursts of as much as 3 inches per hour in intense lake impact snow bands. Whiteout situations are occurring, with visibility decreased to close zero at occasions resulting from blowing and drifting snow.

“Conditions are deteriorating quickly, and travel is becoming increasingly dangerous,” stated Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. “If you do not need to be on the roads, please stay home. Staying off the roads helps protect you and allows plow crews, law enforcement, and emergency responders to operate safely.”

“Whiteout conditions can develop in minutes, even on roads that were recently plowed,” stated Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone. “We are asking motorists to slow down, increase following distance, and give snowplows and emergency vehicles the space they need to do their jobs.”

Noel Guttman, Chautauqua County Director of Emergency Services, added, “This storm is ongoing and long-lasting. Conditions will continue to change rapidly, especially under lake effect snow bands. Residents should remain alert, monitor official updates, and be prepared for power outages and extended travel disruptions.”

County freeway and public amenities crews are actively clearing roads and responding to hazardous situations all through the storm.

“Our plow operators are working long hours in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions to keep roads passable,” stated Tim Card, Chautauqua County Director of Public Facilities. “We ask motorists to be patient, give plows plenty of room, and never attempt to pass them. Respecting plow crews helps keep everyone safe and allows them to do their jobs effectively.”

Motorists are reminded:

— Do not cross snowplows or observe too intently.

— Expect decreased speeds and sudden stops.

— Remember that plows could must re-clear the identical roads a number of occasions as snow continues to fall

Residents ought to keep away from journey until completely obligatory. Those who should journey ought to:

— Clear all snow and ice from automobiles earlier than driving

— Drive slowly and don’t use cruise management

— Leave further distance between automobiles