Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The latest round of lake effect snow is set to impact Western New York, and while officials in the City of Buffalo don't expect much of an impact, they are ready for whatever might be heading their way.
"We just hung up with the National Weather Service a few minutes ago. They're indicating right now, preliminarily, depending on where those winds are and how that shifts, the city, downtown might expect an inch or so, and South Buffalo, four inches. We know it's Buffalo, so we're prepared for that amount, but we're also prepared for significantly more just in case that band shifts a little bit higher," said Public Works Commissioner Nate Marton during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Marton says the city has been in contact with partners in the county and the state to prepare for any potential assistance needed with the storm.
With Gov. Kathy Hochul declaring a State of Emergency for Western New York on Wednesday, Marton notes the state would be available for help and to step in if needed.
Marton adds he's already had conversations with the contractors hired by the city to help clear out the snow.
"We've got some of those on standby as well. We'll probably bring some of those in in the overnight hours, early hours, as the snow hits, just to make sure that we're hitting that snow," Marton said. "It's going to be a 2-to-3-inch rate per-hour, is what we're hearing, so if that band slides up a little bit out of Lackawanna and into South Buffalo, we'll get some significant amounts of snow that will need some clearing with."
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Over the last couple of days, Marton says they have been making sure their salt stock at barns have been in order. He estimates the city to be in good shape with about 2,500 tons of salt on-hand now.
Marton also touched base on where things stand, at this time, with the Buffalo Public School District.
"Been in contact with the schools, they're still evaluating what they're going to do tomorrow," he said. "Again, that's a school decision, but we've been in contact with their operating officer, he and I speak regularly."
One other aspect with this lake effect storm is the potential of power outages. Marton has been told by National Grid officials they don't expect any sort of power issues with this storm.
"They're going to have their crews on standby, but based on some of the wind events that we've had recently, they think we'll be in pretty good shape on this one," Marton noted.
In addition, Marton says the city is preparing to continue garbage services as scheduled on Thursday, though they will monitor the weather and update residents on any services that may be canceled or postponed.