Whiteout conditions were expected to make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, the National Weather Service reported. Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact travel through the week.

Sunday’s heavy rains were the precursor to Monday’s blustery morning.

National Weather Service spotters in Mayville reported more than an inch of rain with Dewittville, Cassadaga, Fredonia and Falconer reporting more than 0.8 inches.

Some roads in Fredonia were affected by high water from the Sunday rains. Fredonia Mayor Mayor Michael Ferguson posted on Facebook: “Folks flooding is beginning to happen throughout the village due to the amount of water coming down right now. Several homes throughout the village are threatened or already receiving water,” he said. “Too much water right now. Check your basement and get valuable boxes off your basement floor…just in case. The DPW is doing its best right now.”

High waters looking at the power plant.

Snow and winds were the more obvious problems Monday. Gusts nearing 70 mph were recorded by the National Weather Service spotters, which forced closure of the Skyway in Buffalo until further notice.

In Fredonia, gusts were reported as high at 68 mph around 10 a.m. with Dunkirk airport recording 64 mph at 8:12 a.m.

In addition, an empty tractor trailer and tandem ban was taking place on the following state highways in Western New York: the state Thruway from Exit 46 to the Pennsylvania Line both east and west bound as well as Interstate 86 from the Pennsylvania line to Interstate 390.

National Grid noted it was increasing staffing and extending evening and overnight work shifts as the company prepared for the severe weather system.

“As this winter system approaches, National Grid’s line workers, field teams, support staff, and contractor crews are pre-positioned and ready to respond,” said Kyle Bentley, National Grid New York’s Vice President for Electric Operations. “And with many customers preparing to celebrate the New Year later this week, our focus remains on our ability to deploy our crews to safely and swiftly restore service should the weather cause interruptions.”

High waters are pictured in Fredonia on Sunday evening.

AAA said it was prioritizing roadside requests and suspending long tows over 30 miles during the storm to assist those stranded amid treacherous weather conditions.

For those out driving, be prepared:

— Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Stay home if possible.

– If a traffic light is out due to power outages, treat the intersection as an ALL WAY stop.

— Dress warmly and carry extra clothes, including a hat, gloves, mittens, and socks.

Snow in Fredonia on Monday morning.

— Make sure your gas tank is full, put at least 1 blanket in your car, as well as a shovel in your trunk.

— Carry bottled water and snacks in case you do get stranded.

— Ensure that you have your cellphone and a charger.

— Avoid traveling alone or let someone know where you are going and keep in touch.

— Call 911 if you are in an emergency.