It was not the worst of winter conditions throughout Chautauqua County during Thursday morning and afternoon. But it certainly was not the best.

After more than 3 inches of snow was reported overnight in Fredonia, Jamestown Public Schools were the only district that noted any issues and were on a two-hour delay to start. In the meantime, roads in the center of the county were treacherous at times as slushy conditions hampered drivers.

City of Jamestown commuters also faced some rough roads as tractor-trailers and motorists became stuck on the hills of Main Street during the morning drive.

Locally, snowfall totals through mid-day Thursday included 4.2 inches in Dunkirk, 4.5 inches at Allegany State Park, 6 inches in Cattaraugus, 6.9 inches in Jamestown and 9 inches in Little Valley.

Today could be even worse. Forecasters have predicted heavy snowfall amounts for Erie and Niagara counties, with estimates as high as 3 feet in some locations.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a State of Emergency Thursday morning ahead of the storm. After the disaster emergency was declared, all Chautauqua County school districts, including Dunkirk City School District, decided to cancel school for Friday, according to a press release.

“Together, county districts determined that the safest course of action for students and staff is to close school (Friday),” 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.

State Police in Western New York said they are prepared to assist residents and local law enforcement agencies during the storm. “My team and I are deploying emergency response assets ahead of the storm, remain in constant contact with local officials, and are laser focused on the forecast. New Yorkers should remain vigilant ahead of the storm and avoid any unnecessary travel during these hazardous conditions,” she said.

Troopers have more than three dozen emergency vehicles consisting of utility task vehicles, snowmobiles, and four-wheel drive vehicles, able to assist citizens if they find themselves stranded. These assets have already been moved and are in place at strategic locations throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.

Troopers have additional manpower working and on standby to respond to any emergency if needed.

Motorist are reminded, that if they become stranded, to call 911, and stay seat belted in their vehicle if it’s safe to do so. First responders will be dispatched to their location to provide help.

Troopers remind residents not to travel unless it’s absolutely necessary.

At 4 p.m. Thursday, all commercial traffic was to be banned on the New York State Thruway from exit 46 in Rochester to the Pennsylvania border. All commercial traffic heading eastbound on the Thruway must exit at Exit 61 at Ripley. PennDOT also announced limits for Interstate 90 through Erie, Pa.