Dunkirk police

The New York State Thruway Authority continued a ban on all commercial vehicles on portions of the New York State Thruway system in the Western New York and the Finger Lakes Regions due to Lake Effect Snow Warnings.

The ban is in effect until further notice. All commercial vehicles are banned from the following highways:

— Interstate 90 between exit 46 (Rochester – Corning – I-390) and exit 61 (Ripley – Shortman Road)

— Niagara Thruway (I-190) from I-90 to exit 22 (Route 62)

According to the National Weather Service, heavy lake effect snow will significantly impact travel in Erie, Genesee, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Jefferson counties through Sunday evening. Total snow accumulations of up to five feet or more are possible in the most persistent lake effect snow bands with snowfall rates of 2‐5 inches per hour.

All commercial traffic heading eastbound on the Thruway from the Pennsylvania border must exit at exit 61 (Ripley – Shortman Rd). Commercial traffic heading westbound on the Thruway towards Pennsylvania from points east, should use exit 46 (Rochester – I-390) for I-390 to I-86 West.

Speed reductions may be implemented if necessary.

Closer to home, the city of Dunkirk Police Department issued a travel advisory around 6:30 a.m. Friday that was ended around 1:30 p.m.

The city of Dunkirk also asked that residents adhere to alternate parking as this will also help with snow plowing and Emergency Vehicle access to the streets as well.

The National Weather Service reports Fredonia received between 5 and 6.5 inches in the last 24 hours while Hamburg and Orchard Park had 20 and 18.5 inches during that same time.

Other items of note regarding cancellations include:

— Dunkirk City Court will be conducting emergency operations virtually. Physical access to the Dunkirk City Court facility will be curtailed with the exception of criminal court arraignments and any emergency criminal matters, emergency matters will be handled virtually. Emergency applications may be heard virtually by contacting the Court at (716) 366-2055. Court staff can also be via email reached at: Dunkirk City Court DunkirkCity@nycourts.gov

— All county schools were closed today. That decision was made on Thursday afternoon.

— The Resource Center’s transportation services will not be operating in the North County today due to the weather. The day program on Lake Shore Drive will be open for those who can get there.