Icy conditions are reported across greater Buffalo, with a range of light snow, freezing rain and drizzle, and in some cases just plain rain making for many power outages and a hazardous commute in some spots.
Ice has taken down wires overnight in several locations. NYSEG reported over 25,000 outages on Thursday morning at 6 a.m. National Grid added another 1,800 to the tally.
Cheektowaga, Orchard Park and West Seneca experienced the most outages, according to NYSEG's online listings. National Grid's outages were confined mostly to Buffalo proper.
CHECK YOUR OUTAGE RESTORATION TIMES
NYSEG Outage Listings
National Grid Outage Map
Estimates vary as crews begin their work, but as of 11 a.m., some spots may have to wait as late as 8 p.m., for restoration, according to the utility companies' online outage listings. Many others are scheduled for 6 p.m.
National Grid's customers in Buffalo are estimated to have power restored by early afternoon.
The lack of electricity has compounded difficult driving, with roads in good condition, but many traffic signals out, according to a tweet from Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Bob Hamilton says for the most part the worst is behind us.
"We're going to get more freezing drizzle, (but) the worst by far has passed through, but it's going to remain icy for most areas throughout the day. That's not going to change," Hamilton said Thursday morning.
The last wave of low pressure will move beyond WNY late Thursday and the widespread mixed snow and sleet will become just snow showers by Friday when temperatures will drop. A weak warm front will support some nuisance snow showers on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains for Northern Erie County, Niagara and Orleans counties, and much of the state.
Winter Weather Advisory:
Northern Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming counties
Including the cities of Buffalo, Batavia, Niagara Falls and Warsaw
In effect until 6 PM Thursday
-Freezing drizzle. Additional ice accumulations of a light glaze until 6 PM EST this evening.
-Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will result in slippery roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
