Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A travel advisory has been posted for all of Erie County starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, as winter conditions across the region are expected to turn south in the coming hours.
Officials in Erie County are anticipating the mixture of high winds and increasing snow showers to create blowing snow that will produce near-whiteout conditions.
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Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is asking residents across the county to avoid travel, if possible. If you must travel, though, it is advised that any vehicle is prepared for winter driving and has a winter survival kit, in case one may find themselves stranded.
Also under a travel advisory on Monday are the cities of North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls in Niagara County.
In the City of Buffalo, the Skyway has been closed since 6 a.m., and will remain closed until further notice.
City officials have been coordinating with emergency management, public safety agencies, and the New York State Department of Transportation to monitor conditions and ensure the safety of motorists.
Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling during severe weather conditions.
In addition, an empty tractor trailer and tandem ban is in effect Monday until further notice for a number of roadways in Western New York. This includes the New York State Thruway from Exit 46 in Henrietta to the Pennsylvania border, the I-190 and the I-290.