Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has issued a travel advisory, in effect from 3:30 PM and until further notice, for northern Erie County – including the City of Buffalo - due to the National Weather Service issuing a blizzard warning earlier today for that area of Western New York. That region of the county is expecting a continuation of whiteout travel conditions, bitter cold air and extremely cold temperatures.

The travel advisory impacts Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Alden and areas north of the Erie County/Niagara County line due to the National Weather Service issuing the blizzard warning.

"I urge residents in the strongest possible terms not to travel in that unless they absolutely have to, and to be prepared if they must venture out during this advisory period. Erie County plow crews will be out in force across the county and especially in the northern portion of Erie County, but it is important to keep as much traffic as possible off the roads to clear them as quickly as possible,” said Poloncarz. “Drifting snow can be intense and unpredictable and driving in it should be avoided if possible. For safety reasons and to facilitate quicker action by plow crews, motorists should avoid or delay driving if possible.”