Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The extended period of lake effect snow has led to three fatalities, according to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
Poloncarz reports there were two deaths on Monday, which includes an elderly snow shoveler and someone dying from a hit-and-run car accident. Then on Tuesday, a woman died next to her snow blower.
Both Poloncarz and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown recommended on Wednesday for the NHL to postpone the scheduled Buffalo Sabres game against the Chicago Blackhawks at KeyBank Center, as the arena is in the Buffalo travel ban area.
Just before 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday, the Sabres and the NHL both announced the game has been rescheduled for Thursday night with a 7 p.m. EST faceoff in Downtown Buffalo.
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Poloncarz also had a request for businesses that are open.
"We are asking all businesses to close early as of 4 p.m. so employees can get an opportunity to beat the strong snow band coming through Western New York," said Poloncarz.
Mayor Brown advised residents to get home and safe by 3 p.m. EST on Wednesday afternoon.
A travel ban remains in effect for several municipalities in Erie County, as the Lake Effect Snow Warning in place continues until 7 p.m. EST on Thursday.