BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – After activating New York’s emergency action center, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he’d be diverting plows and personnel to help with Buffalo’s first winter storm.
Cuomo said the Department of Transportation will send eight plows and 36 operators along with supervisors from around the state to western New York. That comes from a pool of 410 snowplows and 1,018 operators and supervisors from around the state which will be working on the storm.
The New York State Thruway Authority will also be moving nine heavy duty plow trucks, two front end loaders, two large snow blowers and nine plow operators to western New York.
“Travel will be difficult and dangerous, and although New Yorkers should avoid unnecessary trips, I urge those who must drive to exercise great caution,” Cuomo said.
The emergency action center will be active through Wednesday evening.
Cuomo’s office had these tips:
• Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered;
• Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles;
• Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations;
• Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces;
• Be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to see but makes conditions slippery when pavement temperatures are below freezing;
• Have a cell phone handy, if possible, but do not text while driving; distracted driving is illegal and becomes even more dangerous during storm events;
• Never venture from your vehicle if snowbound;
• Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets and extra warm clothes;
• Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival; and
• Keep calm and do not panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or if you become snowbound.
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