By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
2025 has brought an early and active start to the winter season across Erie County with significant snowfall brought on by multiple lake effect snow systems. Winter weather is a fact of life in Western New York, but it is imperative for individuals and families to be prepared.
New for this year, Erie County has rolled out a new Winter Weather Storm Scale (ECWSS) website. This site is now live and provides detailed maps, including expected snow and conditions on the NYS Thruway (1-90) and impact on specific populations.
The maps use real-time data from the National Weather Service and are updated hourly. Bookmark the website now so you are prepared during winter weather: www.nyswrcc.org/coeweather/ecwss.
The ECWSS is an important tool, but not the only one you need to prepare for winter storms.
- Sign up for real time Emergency and Weather Alerts: text the word “Erie” (or any other county in New York) to 333-111. This is a free service from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYS DHSES).
- Download the free ReadyErie preparedness app: go to erie.gov/readyerie for details.
- Prepare your vehicle: include jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, ice scraper, way to charge your cell phone/devices, blanket, mat, cat litter or sand. Be sure to keep your gas tank full when winter weather is expected. A full tank will help keep your fuel line from freezing.
- Prepare your home: stock up with extra water, food, ways to charge your cell phone/devices, a battery-operated radio and emergency medical supplies. Don’t forget about needs specific to your household, this can include games to keep kids occupied during a power outage, or any extra medications you take regularly.
- Check in on neighbors, friends and family: households with older adults, young children and people with disabilities or serious medical conditions may have additional needs.
NYS DHSES also offers Citizen Preparedness Corps trainings. Led by emergency response personnel, participants learn the basics of how to respond to a natural or human-caused disaster. A backpack with preparedness tools is also provided (one per family). Registration is required.
Courses will be held in Erie County on the dates below:
- January 6, 5:30 p.m.: Buffalo Neighborhood Federation, Buffalo
- January 8, 5 p.m.: Rural Outreach Center, East Aurora
- January 9, 3 p.m.: Buffalo Neighborhood Federation, Buffalo
- January 9, 6 p.m.: Schiller Park Senior Center, Buffalo
- January 26, 5:30 p.m.: Amherst Center for Senior Services, John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst
For a full list of courses and to register, visit: www.prepare.ny.gov.
During a weather event or other emergency situation, Erie County will share information through both traditional media (local print news, television, radio) and on our social media channels.
I advise everyone to take the time to prepare and plan before an emergency and to stay tuned to local forecasts and information channels during any significant weather events. Thank you to all public works employees, members of law enforcement and emergency personnel who worked hard during these recent weather events. I wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy start to the New Year!