Sandy closes schools across WNY

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - Schools in western New York preemptively closed Monday night as a few thousand people dealt with power outages.

Governor Andrew Cuomo reduced the speed limit on the I-190 and a section of the I-90 as Sandy pushed into New York State. Full details here.

MORE | See the latest list of school and business closings

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz isn't taking any chances. His office and county administrators are concerned about the potential winds.

"We are very worried about potential tree damage and the impact it can have because we know when trees go down, they take power lines with them. And we are expecting as time goes on we are going to see people in western New York and Erie County losing their power. Therefore we want people to take the adequate preparation necessary," Poloncarz said.

Poloncarz announced the closure of county parks due to potential danger from trees and flooding. If Sandy gets worse, it could cause Cazenovia Creek to overflow its banks. County crews are keeping a close eye on the waterway and say this is a good moment to teach your family about being prepared.

Emergency Services Commissioner Dan Neaverth said, "If nothing happens, that's terrific. But it's a great exercise to see whether that flashlight works. It's a great exercise to see if you've got an ample supply of extra water. The message is very powerful to get out there: most people aren't hurt during a storm, but after."