Cheektowaga, N.Y. (WBEN) - State and local agencies in Western New York came together Thursday to highlight how coordinated efforts help keep roads clear, first responders safe and the public informed across the region during the winter months.
Public education is a major component of the efforts from officials and crews at the local and state level, ensuring residents understand each agency’s role and how their actions contribute to safer, faster outcomes during severe winter weather.
Extreme weather continues to grow in frequency and intensity each year in Western New York and across the state. In the face of this growing threat, Gov. Kathy Hochul has made it a top priority to use knowledge gained in recent years from extreme weather events like the 2022 Buffalo Blizzard and invest in the state’s capabilities to prepare for, and respond to all types of extreme weather, improving both communication and real time decision making during storms.
"We are trying to do our best. All we ask is you do your best," said New York State Trooper James O'Callaghan. "Please don't go around those crossing barriers. If there's a State of Emergency, please abide by those rules. There are a lot of things and a lot of us in play, working together up here to make it as safe as possible. But we really, really need your help to make it that safe place for you and your family."
Earlier this year, the Governor launched the "Triple Three Triple One" emergency and weather alert text system that allows New Yorkers to receive real time emergency and weather alerts and updates directly to their phones. In 2023, New York State’s Weather Risk Communication Center was created, helping emergency managers make more informed, time critical decisions to protect communities.
Individual preparedness and public cooperation during the winter months in Western New York are also essential, with agencies encouraging New Yorkers to have emergency kits in their cars during the winter months, make sure mobile devices are fully charged, check road conditions and emergency alerts, avoid non-essential travel during restrictions, never pass a snowplow, move over for emergency vehicles, and stay informed via 511NY.org or local media.
Agencies in Western New York are also participating in a coordinated social media campaign under the hashtag #TravelSmart to keep safety tips and real-time updates in front of New Yorkers all winter long.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) clears 3,876 miles of state roads in the region, deploying about 250 pieces of equipment and round-the-clock crews during weather events. The Department’s Statewide Transportation Information and Coordination Center is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year to monitor traffic conditions and serve as a central point for statewide transportation operations every day of the year.
The New York State Thruway Authority’s Buffalo Maintenance Division is responsible for 167 miles, or more than 700 total lane miles, of I-90 and the Niagara Thruway (I-190). The Thruway Authority also operates its own dedicated Thruway Statewide Operations Center (TSOC) which is staffed and monitored 24/7, 365 days a year, and can dispatch plows, State Police and other emergency responders, tow trucks and additional resources as needed.
"We are continually getting ready to prep our trucks. We started in August, so all of our heavy equipment is ready to go," said Keith Stanczewski, acting Buffalo District director with the Thruway Authority. "We have over 200 men and women that operate those vehicles, we have over 90 plow trucks. We have a large blower, two loader mounted blowers, so those are ready to go."
The New York State Police and county sheriff’s offices enforce travel restrictions, assist stranded motorists and coordinate towing. Local municipalities maintain city and county roads, while the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) delivers transit updates.
"Should you choose to put yourself in harm's way and drive in an affected area during an advisory or travel ban, know that you are not only putting yourself in harm's way. You're putting the public in harm's way, you are putting DOT workers in harm's way. You are putting everyone out there that are trying to make these roadways passable and drivable in harm's way," said Erie County Sheriff's Lt. Jeremy Lehning. "The message is clear, the message is concise. Obey all travel bans, and make sure you obey travel advisories."
A key asset unique to Western New York is the Niagara International Transportation Technology Coalition (NITTEC), a multi-agency partnership that is supported by NYSDOT and provides live traffic data, camera feeds and coordinated incident response across the region. NITTEC’s real-time information feeds directly into 511NY, giving travelers and responders a shared picture of road conditions.
Key Winter Weather Terms:
- State Disaster Emergency (also referred to as State of Emergency): Declared by the Governor; unlocks additional resources, legal authorities and directs State agencies.
- Local State of Emergency: Declared by a county or local chief executive; unlocks additional legal authorities, resources and direction of local agencies.
- Emergency Order: Issued by a county or local chief executive under a State of Emergency; may include mandatory evacuations or curfews.
- Travel Ban: Prohibits all non-essential vehicle travel on designated roads; enforced by law enforcement. It is important to be aware to specific details about each individual order as they may vary by location.
- Travel Advisory: Strongly discourages non-essential travel; no enforcement but urges caution.
- Closure Gates: Physical barriers manually closed through a coordinated process between agencies. When closed, they are locked for safety. The public must never attempt to open or bypass them.
New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.