Travel bans in North Tonawanda, City of Niagara Falls

The Office of City of North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tyle announced a state of emergency has been declared, effective 9:30 a.m. This, officials said, is “to respond effectively to Winter Storm Elliot that threatens the public safety of the citizens of the City of North Tonawanda.”

This State of Emergency will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25, at which time it may be extended by the mayor, if conditions persist.

A travel ban went into effect at 9:30 a.m. Friday and will continue until further notice. The conditions will be reevaluated periodically.

A press release said, “As mayor of the City of North Tonawanda, New York, I, Austin Tylec, have exercised the authority granted to me under New York State Executive Law Article 2-B, to preserve the public safety, and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of this municipality.

“I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the City of North Tonawanda, New York, to take whatever steps necessary to protect life, property, and public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.”

In the City of Niagara Falls, the Office of Mayor Robert Restaino stated, “A travel ban has been issued for the City of Niagara Falls effective immediately until further notice. Stay home and do not make any unnecessary travel. Several downed trees and power outages have been reported throughout the city.”