BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills’ wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers has been postponed until Monday afternoon due to a winter storm forecasted for Western New York this weekend. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, along with state and local officials, including Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, held a press conference on Saturday to provide updates and monitor the situation.
Governor Hochul stated that the worst part of the storm is expected to hit the southtowns and South Buffalo area on Sunday afternoon, based on consultations with weather officials. In light of the weather conditions, the NFL has agreed to postpone the playoff game until Monday at 4:00pm at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Governor Hochul emphasized that the decision was made to ensure the safety of New Yorkers, motorists, and fans amidst the unpredictable storm.
In addition to the game postponement, there is currently a travel advisory in Erie County until 9:00am, followed by a travel ban for all passenger vehicles beginning at 9:00pm on Saturday night. Local law enforcement will enforce the ban, allowing for effective snow removal and safer roads. The travel ban will be reassessed on Sunday at 6:00am.
To address the impact of the winter storm, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency on Friday, ensuring that extra resources are available in Western New York. The activation of 100 members of the New York National Guard is planned to assist with the snow event. Road crews will be pre-treating the roads and plows will work on keeping them clear as the snow falls. Additionally, 11,000 utility crew members are on standby to address any power outages caused by the forecasted wind event.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for several counties in Western New York, including Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus. Heavy lake effect snow and strong winds are expected, with total snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 feet in the most persistent areas. Blizzard conditions are possible, particularly on Saturday night and Sunday. Niagara and Orleans County also have a Winter Storm Warning in effect, with total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches and gusting winds up to 65 mph.
The Buffalo Bills’ wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers has been rescheduled to ensure the safety of everyone involved amidst the severe winter storm in Western New York. Governor Hochul’s proactive measures, including the State of Emergency declaration and the coordination of resources, aim to mitigate the storm’s impact on the local area.