Storm makes morning commute messy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - As of yesterday the snowfall deficit in WNY was almost 25" but with the amount the area received overnight we are now only about 15" under normal.

Most main roads in the area are passable because plows were prepared for the snowfall.  Roads are mainly wet Thursday morning.

Buffalo Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak says this was a tough storm because the snow was coming down at 1" to 2" per hour. The crews had to continually plow the main and secondary roads.

He says when the snow stopped around 2 a.m. it helped because crews could catch up on the main and secondary roads so they could focus on the residential areas.  He says plows are currently working on the residential streets.  There are 40 pieces of equipment out on the roads.  Crews will continue to plow around 5 p.m. this evening.

Stepniak says those who were out driving got stuck at intersections, but the numbers aren’t out of the ordinary.  He wants drivers to remember to follow parking changes.

However, it's important to remember to be patient on days like this.  Even with many plows it can take time for multiple runs to get all the secondary roads suitable for traffic.  

Some drivers did end up getting stuck early Thursday.  Max Fenske came to the rescue of a few of those stuck, like Tara Cloutier.  "Let's see, it's probably the fifth car I've helped so far.  I've been with her all night but, pushed her down the street, it's been stop and go all night, but then we've got people like this all night come to help out," Fenske said.

"Stop and go.  It took me like an hour to get home from work.  Normally takes me like 15 minutes," Cloutier said.

If you don't have to travel, it may be best to wait.