All Chautauqua County school districts, including Dunkirk City School District, have decided to cancel school for Friday, according to a press release sent this afternoon by Dunkirk.

The move comes because of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s declaration of a state of emergency in Chautauqua and 10 surrounding counties, along with consultation with county authorities, and the weather predictions of heavy snowfall, high winds, and blizzard-like conditions throughout parts of the region.

“Together, county districts determined that the safest course of action for students and staff is to close school tomorrow,” said Dunkirk Superintendent Michael Mansfield, who urged area residents to adhere to county and state warnings.

Chautauqua County school superintendents in Brocton, Dunkirk, Forestville, Fredonia, Silver Creek, and Westfield collectively made the announcement after consulting with district and county officials.

The winter storm is forecasted to impact portions of Western New York with intense lake effect snow through Sunday.