Much of Erie County is forecasted to be hit by the brunt of severe winter weather Friday night.
The National Weather Service has issued both a lake effect snow warning and a lakeshore flood warning effective today through Saturday, February 6.
The storm is expected to bring gale force wind gusts in the 50 mph range, and drop between 10-20 inches of total snow through Saturday on Buffalo and surrounding suburbs.
With those high wind gusts expected, Buffalo Public Works Commissioner Michael Finn said not only could downed trees and power lines prove a danger, but possible flooding as well.
“Whenever there is significant winds like we're seeing Lake Erie pushes up and rises and there's the potential for flooding of the lake shore. In preparation for that we've already closed Erie basin Marina, Ralph C. Wilson Jr, Centennial Park, Bird Island pier and Broderick Park,” said Finn “Those are all completely closed to vehicles and pedestrians as of this time, and we'll keep those closed as long as the storm continues.”
Finn said city crews are already out pre-salting roadways, and plows will be ready for the expected evening snowfall.
