Community Concerns

(WNY News Now)Dunkirk, New York January 20, 2025In coordination with the Mayor's Office, the Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Dunkirk Fire Department (DFD), the City of Dunkirk Police Department has issued a travel advisory that will take effect at 4:15 PM today. Strong gusts and heavy, blowing snow have deteriorated traffic conditions, prompting the advisory, which is anticipated to stay in force until further notice. Information on Travel Advice Because to the dangerous conditions, including as drifting snow, fallen trees, and power lines, it is strongly advised that non-essential travel be avoided within the City of Dunkirk. The warning follows severe weather-related impacts on the city's roads and infrastructure. Rules for Residents' and Drivers' Safety Downed Power Li...

(WNY News Now)Buffalo, New YorkA Lake Effect Snow Warning has been issued by the Buffalo National Weather Service (NWS), and it will be in effect from 10 a.m. on Monday, January 20, until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22. According to the warning, northern Erie and Genesee counties may see significant snowfall; the most persistent snow bands are predicted to accumulate between 8 and 16 inches overall. What to Expect The period from late Monday afternoon to Tuesday is expected to see the most snowfall. Areas from South Buffalo and the Buffalo Southtowns that stretch eastward over southern Genesee County are notably highlighted in the alert. Road conditions are predicted to rapidly deteriorate throughout this period, with significant snow cover and extremely low visibility. Because lak...

(WNY News Now) Heavy lake-effect snow is expected in northern Erie and Genesee Counties during the period covered by the National Weather Service (NWS) Buffalo's Winter Storm Watch, which runs from Saturday am, January 18, through late Wednesday night, January 22. At 3:20 AM EST on January 18, the National Weather Service Buffalo declared a Winter Storm Watch for northern Erie and Genesee counties. Due to strong lake-effect snow bands, the notice predicts the possibility of heavy snowfall, especially in regions extending from Buffalo Southtowns to southern Genesee County. What to Expect: Snow Accumulation: Periods of heavy lake-effect snow could lead to substantial accumulation, especially in the most persistent snow bands. Visibility Issues: Drivers may enc...

(WNY News Now) The Bemus Point Central School District has acknowledged that it was a part of the recent PowerSchool cybersecurity incident that affected other districts throughout the country. New York's Bemus Point. Families and employees were recently notified by the Bemus Point Central School District of a data breach involving PowerSchool, the platform used to handle student data. PowerSchool informed the district that sensitive customer data had been accessed without authorization, affecting school systems in Chautauqua County and the US. Unauthorized access was gained to student and family contact information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers, as well as staff names and email addresses. Bemus Point administrators did clarify, though, that district passwords were not h...

(WNY News Now)Buffalo, New YorkA Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the Buffalo National Weather Service (NWS) and will be in effect from Monday, January 13 at 5:00 AM EST through Tuesday, January 14 at 4:00 AM EST. It is recommended that residents in northern Genesee and Erie Counties be ready for dangerous winter weather, especially on Monday mornings and evenings when commuting. Snow and Winds to Create Challenging Travel Conditions A sudden blast of snow could affect the entire Buffalo metro region during the Monday morning commute, according to the advisory. Later in the day, lake effect snow is predicted to form over southwest Genesee County and the Buffalo Southtowns, continuing through Monday night. Expected Accumulation: General areas: 1 to 3 inches. ...

(WNY News Now) Attorney General Letitia James calls for the implementation of universal free lunch for all kids and commends the governor's efforts to guarantee that no child in New York goes hungry. NEW YORK Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, issued a statement today supporting the state's initiative to provide free school lunches to all pupils. The Attorney General has long prioritized the program, which seeks to end hunger in schools and promote student achievement. We know that hunger negatively impacts our students' wellbeing and academic performance, therefore no child in New York should go hungry. I've been advocating for free meals for all New York students for years, and I'm happy that this is now happening. I sincerely hope that this year will be the year when uni...

(WNY News Now) National Grid advises homeowners to exercise caution and refrain from dangerous snow and ice removal techniques that could jeopardize gas and electrical safety as Lake Effect Snow is predicted. National Grid advises its customers to use caution when clearing snow and ice this weekend, as the National Weather Service anticipates possible Lake Effect snow throughout the region. A buildup of snow and ice on roofs can strain the weatherhead, or electricity service wires, which supply power to the house. Anybody trying to clear snow could be in danger from these live wires. Check the connection point from a safe distance once the snow and ice have been cleared to make sure the wires haven't been dragged away from the home, which could pose a fire hazard. Additionally, the busin...

Extremely Low Overnight Temperatures Through Thursday Throughout the State Temperatures in the North Country are expected to be between -30 and -20 degrees. Feel-like temperatures of -20 to 0 degrees are to be expected in the Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Central and Western New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier. Long Island and New York City Will See Temperatures that Feel Like 1 to 14 This week, there is a chance of scattered snow showers with wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph in the central and northern regions of New York. Extended Exposure to Cold Temperatures Increases the Risk of Frostbite and Hypothermia Mobile Users: Click Here to Watch the Video (WNY News Now) Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning to New Yorkers today to exercise caution because this week's extremely cold temper...

(WNY News Now) Diane Mariano, 79, was reported missing late Tuesday night, and authorities in Cheektowaga are asking for the public's help in finding her. New York's Cheektowaga A New York State Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert has been issued by the Cheektowaga Town Police Department for Diane Mariano, a 79-year-old lady who was last seen on the evening of December 24, 2024. According to reports, Mariano, a Caucasian woman, was operating a white 2007 Saturn Aurora bearing the New York license plate BCA1740. Around 9:45 PM, she was last saw in Cheektowaga. Share this: Facebook X Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-ch...

(WNY News Now) In order to safeguard the city's most vulnerable citizens, Lockport Mayor Michelle Lombardi has issued a Code Blue notice through December 23 due to the predicted overnight lows of below freezing. A Code Blue alert has been issued to make sure that anyone without heat or shelter have a safe place to stay as cold temperatures descend on Lockport. To help those in need, the City of Lockport will implement emergency measures starting Thursday, December 19, and lasting until 8 a.m. on Monday, December 23. The Salvation Army is open from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at this time for anyone who are homeless or don't have enough heat. Assistance will be offered at the Lockport Police Department's walk-up window, which is situated on the Niagara Street entrance, for anyone arriving after 10 p....