Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Buffalo is only expected to be minimally impacted by a lake effect storm system that is much more crippling for areas to the south of the city.
During a briefing Saturday, Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon announced that the city is prepared to respond to the incoming forecasted winter storm.
“We are in constant communication with our partners at New York State, including Governor Kathy Hochul, and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz as we monitor this storm currently sitting in the Southtowns,” said Mayor Scanlon. “The National Weather Service projects this snow band will move north toward the City of Buffalo. We are prepared and ready to address its impacts.”
To maintain safe and accessible streets during the storm, the City of Buffalo is implementing winter parking regulations effective immediately. These include restrictions on overnight parking on bus routes between 1:30 AM and 7:00 AM and seasonal alternate parking on side streets to ensure plows and emergency vehicles can navigate safely. While these regulations are typically enforced starting November 15, their implementation was delayed due to unusually warm weather in November.
In addition to parking regulations, the city has activated warming centers to assist residents in need. Tosh Collins Community Center, Machnica Community Center, and Hennepin Park Community Center are now open and will remain available as long as necessary.
A Code Blue is also in effect, with shelters at 586 Genesee Street and the Dulski Center at 129 Lewis Street open from 8 PM to 8 AM. The 586 Genesee Street location will also serve as a daytime warming center. Mayor Scanlon urged residents in need of assistance to take advantage of these resources.
The city’s 311 Call Center is fully operational and ready to assist residents with non-emergency inquiries or storm-related issues. Residents are encouraged to contact 311 for support during this weather event.