⚠️ Travel Advisory in Impact

Chautauqua County officers are advising residents to restrict journey in the course of the ongoing winter storm, which is anticipated to proceed by means of Monday night. The storm will deliver heavy snow, icy roads, and unsafe circumstances throughout the County.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo maintains the Winter Storm Warning for Chautauqua County by means of 7 PM Monday, forecasting whole snowfall of 12 to 18 inches, with the best quantities anticipated in larger terrain within the Southern Tier.

Travel Advisory

Chautauqua County is issuing a Travel Advisory discouraging all non-essential journey till Tuesday, January 27 at 5:00 a.m. Residents are inspired to keep house if attainable and solely journey if completely mandatory.

Inclement Weather Policy – Monday, January 26

As a part of this advisory, County places of work will implement the Inclement Weather Policy. Operations could differ by division: some places of work could also be closed to in-person companies or working remotely, whereas a number of in-person companies, together with snow removing, emergency medical companies, and public security operations, will proceed. Residents ought to name forward earlier than visiting any County facility and ensure division hours and repair availability.

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❄️ Weather Impacts

• Travel might be very troublesome, with snow-covered roads and diminished visibility

• Monday morning and night commutes might be particularly difficult

• Strong snowfall charges could shortly deteriorate highway circumstances

Sheriff James Quattrone:

“We know travel may be necessary for some, but conditions will be challenging. Use good judgment, check the latest weather and road forecasts before heading out, drive cautiously, allow extra time, and stay alert for snow plows and emergency vehicles. If you can postpone trips until conditions improve, please do so.”

County Executive PJ Wendel:

“We know Western New Yorkers are tough and used to winter weather, but with heavy snow, icy roads, and limited visibility expected, we are issuing this Travel Advisory and asking residents to limit travel whenever possible. At the same time, we are reducing unnecessary travel in County operations to protect both our employees and the public.”

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🛷 Highway & Public Facilities

Residents are reminded to give plow drivers room to work and train warning when driving close to snow removing operations. These crews are working in troublesome circumstances to maintain roadways clear and protected.

Tim Card, Director of Public Facilities:

“Our highway crews are out around the clock clearing snow and treating roads to keep our communities moving safely. Snow plow drivers face challenging conditions, but their dedication ensures that critical routes remain accessible for emergency responders and residents who must travel.”

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🚨 Emergency Services Guidance

Chautauqua County Emergency Services gives these reminders to remain protected in the course of the storm:

• Avoid pointless journey; highway circumstances are hazardous.

• If journey is critical, drive slowly, permit additional time, and preserve emergency provides in your car.

• Dress in layers and restrict time open air to forestall cold-related accidents.

• Use protected heating practices, and by no means function mills, grills, or fuel-burning gadgets indoors.

• Check on aged neighbors, people with disabilities, and anybody who may have help.

Noel Guttman, Director of Emergency Services:

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe during this storm. Taking simple precautions like limiting travel, dressing appropriately, and checking on neighbors can prevent injuries and help emergency responders focus on the most critical situations.”

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⚠️ County Coordination & Safety

Chautauqua County Government is coordinating response efforts throughout departments to make sure public security. Residents are inspired to watch official channels for real-time updates:

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📝 Practical Safety Tips

Travel:

• Delay journey if attainable; roads could also be snow-covered with low visibility

• If journey is critical: drive slowly, depart additional distance, keep away from sudden braking, look ahead to hills, turns, snow plows, and emergency autos

Home Preparedness:

• Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, and totally charged gadgets obtainable

• Prepare for attainable energy outages

• Avoid downed energy strains and report them

Heating & Power Safety:

• Use area heaters fastidiously and preserve them away from flammable supplies

• Never function mills, grills, or propane heaters indoors

• Use flashlights as an alternative of candles throughout outages

Pets:

• Bring animals indoors when attainable

• Provide additional meals, water, and heat, dry shelter

Check on Neighbors:

Shoveling Snow:

• Take frequent breaks, keep away from overexertion, use correct lifting methods, and push snow when attainable as an alternative of lifting

Updates might be posted all through the storm on the County’s web site and social media channels. Residents are inspired to watch these sources for the newest info.

Last up to date: 2:00 PM – January 25, 2026