By Eileen Buckley & Bert Gambini
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-937907.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A stretch of the New York State Thruway is closed in both directions Thursday, making the 90 more of a parking lot than a roadway.
The Westbound Mainline is closed from the 290 all the way to Ridge Road -- that's exits 50 to 55.
In the Eastbound direction, the Mainline is closed from the Hamburg Exit to the 290 -- that's, again, between exits 57 to 50. The logjam began around 9 o'clock Wednesday
night. Many of the vehicles have since run out of fuel. State Police Captain Mike Nigrelli says at this point, crews are focusing on the well-being of the stranded motorists and it's hard to say when traffic will get moving again.
Many tractor trailers and passenger vehicles are stuck in the snow. They've deployed ATV's and emergency crews to deliver water and food to motorists.
The Weather Service is continuing a LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING until 11 o'clock Thursday night for Northern Erie and Genesee Counties. That warning is posted until 6 o'clock Friday morning for Southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. Steve McGlaughlin at the Airport Weather Station says depending on how the bands move Thursday, the afternoon drive could be a challenge as well.
Buffalo received just a dusting of snow, but the lake effect snow band is due over the city. A Lake effect snow warning is in effect until 11-Thursday night.