BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As extreme cold temperatures roll into the Western New York region, you can find the latest weather updates here and closings here.

Monday, January 26, 12:30 p.m. update

The City of Buffalo said residents on streets with 6 p.m. to 6 p.m. alternate parking should delay moving vehicles until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, when normal regulations resume.

Monday, January 26, noon update

The Buffalo Department of Public Works deployed more than 170 pieces of equipment Sunday to combat a winter storm that dropped about a foot of snow across the region. City officials issued a travel advisory as municipal crews and private contractors moved into a “divide and conquer” strategy to clear primary and secondary routes. You can find more here and watch our report below.

Buffalo deploys massive snow removal effort after about a foot of snow fell

Monday, January 26, 8 a.m. update

The travel advisories issued for Wyoming and Genesee counties have been lifted.

Sunday, January 25, 7 p.m. update

All New York State courts in Western New York will be closed Monday. Emergency matters will be handled virtually.

Sunday, January 25, 4:15 p.m. update

Buffalo Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26.

“Due to inclement weather and the anticipated hazardous road conditions, Buffalo Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. All students and staff are to stay home. All afterschool activities are canceled.”

– Director of Public Relations and Information, Jeffery Hammond

Sunday, January 25, 3:45 p.m. update

Allegany County has issued a travel advisory until further notice.

“Due to heavy snowfall, blowing snow, and rapidly deteriorating road conditions, a Travel Advisory is in effect for all roads in Allegany County. Travel is strongly discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Visibility may be sharply reduced during heavier bands, and untreated roads will become slick and hazardous. Forecasters emphasize that travel during this storm may be dangerous, especially given the combination of heavy snowfall and extreme cold.”

– Allegany County Sheriff’s Office

Sunday, January 25, 2:00 p.m. update

Chautauqua County has issued a travel advisory until Tuesday at 5 a.m.

“We know Western New Yorkers are tough and used to winter weather, but with heavy snow, icy roads, and limited visibility expected, we are issuing this Travel Advisory and asking residents to limit travel whenever possible. At the same time, we are reducing unnecessary travel in County operations to protect both our employees and the public.”

– County Executive, PJ Wendel

The City of Dunkirk has issued a travel advisory for today until further notice.

Due to worsening road conditions, the City of Dunkirk Police Department, in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office, DPW, and DFD, is issuing a travel advisory until further notice.

Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged.

– Dunkirk Police Department

Sunday, January 25, 12:00 p.m. update

The City of Buffalo has issued a travel advisory until further notice. City officials are asking the public to avoid any unnecessary travel.

Saturday, January 24, 6:30 p.m. update

Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties have issued ‘Travel Advisories’ starting Sunday morning at 10 a.m.

“The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area. The N.W.S. predicts “Very difficult travel and hazardous conditions during this storm event”.

Based on information from the N.W.S. and other sources, The Sheriff recommends essential travel only during this storm. Heavy snow and frigid temperatures will make travel extremely difficult, and the safety of our citizens is our number one priority.

The Sheriff’s Office will be adding additional Road Patrol Deputies along with extra Dispatchers in the Sheriff’s 911 Center.”

Orleans County Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke

“In order to give the public as much advance notice as possible, the travel advisory is being released at this time with consideration given to the weather predictions that are currently available. As the storm evolves, the conditions affecting travel will continue to be evaluated. The best and safest option is to stay home until the snowstorm passes.”

Genesee County Sheriff Joseph M. Graff

“Based on information from the NWS, The Sheriff recommends NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during this storm. Heavy snow and frigid temperatures will make travel extremely difficult.”

Wyoming County Sheriff David P. Linder

Saturday, January 24, 3:00 p.m. update

The New York State Thruway Authority announced all Long Combination Tandems (LCV) vehicles be banned from traveling on the Thruway System.

ALERT – LONG COMBINATION TANDEM BAN: Due to the incoming storm and significant snowfall, all Long Combination Tandems (LCV) vehicles will be banned from traveling on the Thruway System, including I-87, I-90, I-287, I-190, and the Berkshire Spur, effective 6am, Sun., Jan. 25.

For updated travel information as well as traffic cameras and alerts, download the NYS Thruway mobile app or go to thruway.ny.gov.

– NYS Thruway Authority

Friday, January 23, 6:30 p.m. update

Buffalo Public Schools announced high school students will learn remotely on Monday, due to rescheduled Regents exams.

Buffalo State University has canceled classes and activities for Monday. You can find more online here.

Wyoming County has issued a travel advisory due to blowing and drifting snow, causing poor visibility. Drivers are encouraged to limit travel.

Code Blue emergency shelter activated as dangerous cold threatens homeless population

Extremely cold temperatures are putting Buffalo’s homeless population at deadly risk, prompting officials to activate Code Blue emergency warming shelters Friday night for Erie County.

The emergency protocol opens additional shelter space at Buffalo City Mission and other locations to help get vulnerable people off the streets during dangerous weather conditions.

“You can die from exposure, and it’s also dangerous for our very vulnerable homeless population because they’re most likely to be affected by this,” said Lawrence Dupre, Erie County lawmaker.

Dupre emphasized the life-saving importance of the Code Blue activation, particularly for residents in his East Side district.

“Code Blue saves lives. Code Blue will save the lives of vulnerable people. We’ve seen it before that your life is in jeopardy, and we need to do something that is one of the parts of us — being good government — is taking care of our vulnerable populations,” Dupre said.

WATCH: ‘Code Blue saves lives’: Buffalo City Mission becomes a shelter

‘Code Blue saves lives’: Buffalo City Mission becomes a shelter

City Mission surge in need

Buffalo City Mission CEO Mark Jentsch said this winter has already presented significant challenges. During cold temperatures last month, the organization more than doubled its capacity to meet demand.

“It’s incredibly frustrating and disappointing and hurtful,” said Jentsch. “Hurtful to experience with our neighbors, the difficulties that they have.”

“How do you make space for everyone? I assume you don’t turn anyone away?” I asked.

“Well, that’s a great question, Eileen, and you know, we’re not built physically for Code Blue,” Jentsch replied. “We make do by retrofitting our community center to be a day warming center, and then as people move into our cafeteria for community meals, we then retrofit the community center with cots for the overnight sleeping arrangements.”

City Mission operates vans that move around Buffalo looking for people who need to get off the streets during dangerous weather conditions.

Code Blue clients can visit the NFTA bus center in downtown Buffalo to get tickets for shuttle transportation to Code Blue shelter sites throughout the city.

Heat safety

With an extended deep freeze in the forecast, fire officials are reinforcing critical tips for safely heating homes during the dangerous cold snap.

According to National Fire Protection Association data released this week, U.S. fire departments responded annually to more than 37,000 home heating equipment fires from 2020 to 2024. Space heaters and heating stoves were responsible for nearly half of those fires and 73% of the 417 associated civilian deaths.

David Morales, public information officer for the Getzville Fire Company, said the company sees an uptick in heating-related fires during the winter months. He shared important tips on how to use a space heater.

“You want to plug it directly into the wall, not into a surge protector,” Morales said. “You can start fires that way because of the amount of power that gets drawn through that surge protector. It’s not built for that. So just make sure you’re always plugging space heaters directly into the wall outlet.”

“Another thing we see people tend to hold onto things for a really, really long time. If you’ve got an antiquated or outdated space heater, maybe it’s as old as your parents or your grandparents; it’s time to get rid of it and get something new,” Morales said.

Morales said it’s also important to make sure space heaters are clean and to inspect each for damaged wires.

He said to also keep combustibles, including blankets, at least 5 feet away from any equipment used to heat your home.

WATCH: Fire officials reinforce tips to safely heat homes during dangerous cold snap

Fire officials reinforce tips to safely heat homes during dangerous cold snap

Roof safety

Many of us already have snow piled up high from lake effect storms. That won’t be melting any time soon.

“Unfortunately, it’s prime conditions for really serious issues. A long-term cold is going to end up building a lot more ice, which can lead to significant damage over time,” said Bill Spahn, Owner of Buffalo Ice Dam Steaming.

His team uses steam to cut through ice and clear roofs and gutters. He says now is the time to clear that snow off your roof to avoid damage.

“Acting fast is key, never wait and hope because it may end up costing you more in the end,” said Spahn.

He says it’s best to leave this work to professionals who can get all the ice out. You can find them here or call/text them at (716) 860-0696. He says whichever service you use, just make sure they’re using the right tools, insured, trustworthy and experienced.

WATCH: When you should be concerned about your roof

When you should be concerned about your roof

Snowmobile season kicks into gear

The one positive side of the weather right now is that the Northern Erie Sno-Seekers (NESS) snowmobile network and other corridors across Erie County opened on Thursday.

Snowmobilers have already been out and about. Marvin’s Bar & Grill along the trail in Clarence saw a boost in their business Thursday night.

“Definitely a big thing, especially after the last few winters we haven’t really had a great winter,” said Julia Kress, Marvin’s bartender. “We’re super excited. We’re anticipating a great season. We had a great snowfall the last few days ground is freezing up, so definitely waiting for them to come in and order food and drinks.

The trails have been groomed, and more information can be found here.

WATCH: Snowmobile season kicks into gear

Snowmobile season kicks into gear