Travel Ban Now In Effect On NY Thruway For All Vehicles

A new travel ban has been issued in Western New York due to the blizzard. As conditions continue to deteriorate, driving safely has become virtually impossible.

Initially, the New York State Thruway was closed to all commercial travel. However, it is now closed to ALL travel.

The National Weather Service tweeted a video of the whiteout conditions downtown due to the blizzard. There are currently multiple driving bans in place, including a ban in all of Erie County that went into effect at 9:30 this morning. There is a ban on many state roads in Western New York for all traffic. In the video below, you can see exactly why it is imperative that you STAY HOME!

Report from @ECSONY1 Chief Hartman who just arrived at the @ErieCountyNY Emergency Ops Center is there is NO visibility in Cheektowaga. It took him 45 minutes to drive the normally 5-10 minute trip from Galleria Mall area. We are getting same reports from @ErieCountyDPW drivers.

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About two hours ago, a tractor-trailer jackknifed on the Thruway, causing an accident. All lanes had to be shut down.

The State Department of Transportation also announced a travel ban is in effect for the following roads in Erie County for all traffic until conditions improve:

-State Route 400
-State Route 219
-I-290
-I-190
-State Route 5 (Big Tree Road to I-190)

A restriction for trucks "Trucks Use Right Lane" on Interstate 81 from Exit 32 (Central Square) to Exit 51 (Alex Bay) starting at noon Friday.

The National Weather Service has not only warned about snow accumulation and flooding, but a flash freeze, all of which will make travel extremely dangerous.