Poloncarz issues travel advisory for Buffalo, northern Erie County

EC Social Services offices asks clients to postpone visits today during winter storm

Erie County Social Services requesting clients with downtown office visits today to reschedule due to storm; advises of storm-related modifications to Meals on Wheels deliveries

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has issued a travel advisory, in effect until further notice, for the City of Buffalo and all of northern Erie County due to a winter storm that could leave snow accumulations of up to 2 feet in some areas by Thursday morning. The entire region will see lake-effect snow, blowing and drifting snow, and extreme cold temperatures and wind chills over the next 36 hours and into Thursday. The travel advisory urges against any unnecessary travel during this period, and using extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.

“After consulting with various county officials, I am issuing a travel advisory for Buffalo and northern Erie County until further notice,” Poloncarz said. “A government’s primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of the public, and the conditions we will be experiencing over the next two days are potentially life-threatening. We are urging residents to stay off the roads as much as possible during this winter event, for their own protection and to minimize potential problems for the Public Works and emergency services personnel who will be working to keep us all safe during this winter storm.”

In addition, the Erie County Department of Social Services is asking clients with office visits scheduled for downtown offices to postpone those visits and re-schedule them for another time. The combination of snow, blowing snow, gusting wind and falling temperatures will make travel hazardous and the department is working to minimize trouble and inconvenience for clients.

Clients should contact their respective caseworkers or call 716-858-8000 to re-schedule an appointment.

The Erie County Department of Senior Services said Meals on Wheels of WNY will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 30, due to the storm. The Meals on Wheels congregate dining program will also be closed. All at-risk clients have a two-day blizzard box provided, and a well check will be completed with today’s delivery.

Additionally, Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Two-day blizzard boxes will be provided to all clients, who will be notified of the closure, and a well check will be completed with today’s delivery.

Amherst Meals on Wheels will be closed Wednesday. Two-day blizzard boxes will be provided to at-risk clients, all participants will be notified of the closure, and well checks will be performed at today’s visits.

Clients with senior services questions should call 716-858-8526.