BUFFALO, NEW YORK — An empty tractor-trailer and tandem ban began Monday morning on multiple highways across Western New York as severe weather alerts, including high winds, snow, and flooding concerns, prompted officials to restrict certain commercial vehicles and urge the public to avoid travel where possible.

Officials first announced the Buffalo Skyway would be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. Monday due to severe weather moving through the region, including strong winds and snow. Later Sunday evening, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that an empty tractor-trailer and tandem ban would go into effect at 6:00 a.m. Monday on the following roadways in Western New York:

• Interstate 190

• Interstate 90 (New York State Thruway Authority section from Exit 46 to the Pennsylvania state line, both eastbound and westbound)

• Interstate 290 (from I-190 to I-90)

• Interstate 990 (from I-90 to State Route 263 Millersport Highway)

• Route 400 (from I-90 to State Route 16)

• Route 219 (from I-90 to State Route 39)

• Interstate 86 (from the Pennsylvania state line to I-390)

In a statement, Hochul said winter storms approaching several regions of New York State would bring ice, snow, and high winds that would make roadways hazardous. She said New Yorkers should monitor local forecasts and use caution to avoid travel in impacted areas, adding that plow crews, emergency management teams, and utility personnel have been deployed and are ready to support operations throughout the storm.

A Flood Watch was issued for all of Western New York, with the note that it may be upgraded as conditions near, and officials said the concern is for Buffalo-area streams to reach flood levels Monday night.

A Winter Storm Warning was also issued from 7:00 a.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Thursday for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and southern Erie counties, with officials stating snow could last for a couple of days. A High Wind Warning was listed for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Chautauqua counties.

In Erie County, officials said the combination of high winds and increasing snow showers could produce blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz asked residents to avoid travel if possible and said that if travel is unavoidable, vehicles should be prepared for winter driving and stocked with a winter survival kit in case motorists become stranded.

A Travel Advisory was issued for all of Erie County beginning at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 29. A separate travel advisory was also noted for the City of North Tonawanda lasting Monday until 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, with Mayor Austin Tylec emphasizing it is not a travel ban but urging residents to treat it as a precaution for safety.

In the City of Buffalo, officials said the Skyway has been closed since 6:00 a.m. and will remain closed until further notice. City officials said they have been coordinating with emergency management, public safety agencies, and the New York State Department of Transportation to monitor conditions and support motorist safety. Motorists were advised to plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and use caution during severe weather.

The empty tractor-trailer and tandem ban was stated to be in effect Monday until further notice across the listed roadways, including the New York State Thruway from Exit 46 in Henrietta to the Pennsylvania border, as well as I-190 and I-290, as storm response operations continue.

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