ANGOLA, NEW YORK — Drivers were stranded overnight at the Angola Service Area on the New York State Thruway as heavy lake-effect snow and high winds overwhelmed the area, blocking access roads and leaving travelers stuck for hours.

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

Roughly 40 people stayed in the service area’s food court overnight because the parking lot and access road were not plowed and traffic became gridlocked as more vehicles pulled in. Chenelly said multiple trucks stopped, which ultimately clogged access to the gas pumps and exits, preventing drivers from leaving.

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

Travelers also temporarily lost access to restrooms after the service area’s water supply was cut off. Photos from the scene showed signage on the bathroom entrance stating: “No restrooms! Since there is no water, we have no restrooms. We apologize!”

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

A spokesperson for the New York State Thruway Authority said crews were working to repair a frozen water valve to restore water service, and plows were working to clear the parking lots so drivers could depart. Another update later indicated water was restored the next morning, and crews were able to dig out trucks and get them moving.

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

The conditions were described as intense, with a lake-effect band dropping roughly 3 inches of snow per hour, winds around 60 mph, and wind chills near -20°F, according to the report.

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

^{Photo credit: Joe Chenelly}

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.