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Steady snow creates problems for Western New York motorists

Erie County Department of Public Works Commissioner William Geary said crews had been preparing for this snowfall for two days. Saturday morning rain didn't help.

ANGOLA, N.Y. — The snow began to fall steadily early Saturday afternoon, causing problems for motorists across Western New York.

Along I-90 near the Angola service center, the roads were slick. Drivers were advised to slow down if they were headed anywhere for the remainder of the day.

Driving conditions were especially difficult in Springville, where the roads were heavily snow covered, and where the snow was coming down so fast that it was hard for plows to keep up. Visibility was a major issue.

Erie County Department of Public Works Commissioner William Geary said crews had been preparing for this snowfall for two days.

Geary said he had 28 trucks out salting and plowing in the evening and that crews will stay steady through the night. He added that they also have nonstop coverage if more man-power is needed.

This weather proved tricky for crews, with all of the rain Western New York received Saturday morning making it difficult to keep the roads salted.

“We were challenged with ... the snow accumulating on the wet roads," Geary said. "It gets really slushy, heavy wet snow. It’s problematic. We put the salt down, but you can run into issues when there is too much water there, and it dilutes too fast. It’s a tougher period, but fortunately it changed right to snow and not freezing rain.”

The snow was a heavy, wet snow, so for anyone shoveling, be aware that smaller amounts will be much heavier than you may expect.

"We had the salt barns topped off, all the trucks gone over, and had crews standing by to come in (Saturday) and work through the night and into (Sunday) as well," Geary said.

Also, many Bills fans are headed down I-90 to Pittsburgh for the Sunday Night Football game against the Steelers. If that includes you, you’re going to want to leave yourself some extra time.

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