By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
A travel advisory remains in effect for all of Cattaraugus County, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office announced at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
High winds and lake-effect snow bands made travel difficult and dangerous, the sheriff’s office said. Conditions in the northern part of the county were especially bad.
The National Weather Service declared a winter storm warning for Western New York for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Wyoming and southern Erie counties through Friday at 1 a.m.
The Buffalo Office of the Weather Service recorded a near-record 79 mph on Monday.
“Whiteout conditions are expected to continue tonight into Wednesday and will make travel treacherous,” the Weather Service said in a statement. “Travel will remain very difficult with hazardous conditions from lake effect snow continuing to impact travel through the week.”
Many parts of the county could see between 1 and 2 feet of snow by the time the storm winds down early Friday.
The travel advisory issued by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office “remains in effect and will continue through the evening and overnight hours. Road and weather conditions will be re-evaluated tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.”
Lake effect snow bands, combined with high wind gusts, make driving difficult and dangerous due to blowing snow, snow drifts and reduced visibility.
“Motorists are asked to avoid unnecessary travel until further notice,” the Sheriff’s Office statement said.
“If travel is necessary, motorists are asked to leave extra time to reach their destination, ensure their vehicle is prepared for winter travel, have an emergency kit in their vehicle, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and be observant of first responders and plows on the roadways.”
High winds Monday and early Tuesday left some residents in Limestone and in the Steamburg area without power for extended times.
In Limestone, where many area residents lost power Monday morning, the Limestone Fire Department opened a warming center at its Community Center at 616 Main St. The fire department welcomed residents to warm up and charge their electronic devices and provided food and drink.
And in Steamburg, the Seneca Nation opened its Community Center to area residents who did not have power.
Sheriff deputies, state police and local police reported numerous vehicles getting stuck or sliding into ditches, but no serious injuries from the storm.
Olean Street Division plows and sanders were busy keeping city streets clear and all available Cattaraugus County Public Works snow removal equipment was out on the nearly 400 miles of county roads.
Wednesday will see a high of 27 degrees and a low of 9 with snow squalls leaving 1-3 inches of snow.
On New Year’s Day expect cloudy skies and some more snow with a high of 17 degrees and a low of 13. Snow showers are likely Friday with a high of 25 and a low of 16.
