Wheels spin, tempers flare due to snow

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The snow came down fast, making it hard for everyone to keep up. From shoveling to plowing, it’s been a day spent digging out. There were wheels spinning and tempers flaring during the morning commute, when it came to a crawl for many drivers.

A Buffalo fire truck collided with a car as it was responding to a structure fire. The road conditions were slippery. Luckily there were no injuries, but  the driver of the car is facing a ticket for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

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Buffalo Fire Department Chief Jim Lamacchia said, “I’m fairly sure that imprudent speed and passing in the right-hand lane may have played a role also.”

People parked on residential streets made it hard for plows to make their way through. But, the snow let up in just enough time for the city to make some head way.

Buffalo Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak said, “The snow let up at about two o’clock in the morning, Don Paul was right on with that one. I listened to Don Paul yesterday, and that was very helpful for us.”

This wasn't your average Buffalo snow storm, but Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted, "I am looking forward to usual freak out session by local media about any snow we get."

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was more complimentary, saying, “The media was right on target, the snow predictions were right on.”

Those whose job it is to make life a little easier for the rest of us, were clearing away snow all morning and into the afternoon.

Ezekiel Schmeller of Militello’s Snow Plowing said, “We’ve been working since about 11:30 last night, and we’ve had two fifteen minute breaks since then. I can’t wait to go home and sleep, eat.”

It's been relatively calm in Buffalo for the past few years.

Also of Militello’s, Brian Guizzotti said, “It’s been nothing. I forgot it was Buffalo, this is a reminder.”

It's been relatively calm in Buffalo for the past few years. But then, there are the "romantics," who believe snow brings out the best in mother nature, and us.

Snow lover Cathy Rieley Goddard said, “It makes everything quiet. People are nicer. Everybody slows down a little bit. People help you out. I saw people shoveling out each other’s cars.”