A fast-moving winter storm is disrupting travel across Western New York, prompting the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to urge riders in the Buffalo area to reschedule trips and avoid nonessential journeys as whiteout conditions and high winds sweep through the region.

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NFTA Asks Riders to Reconsider Trips as Storm Intensifies

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is asking riders to limit travel and rethink their plans as a powerful winter system brings hazardous conditions to Buffalo and surrounding communities. Officials say the greatest concern on Monday and Tuesday centers on people who rely on paratransit and fixed-route transit for medical appointments, work and essential services.

Public Information Officer Kelly Khatib said the agency has been proactively calling paratransit customers who have scheduled rides, asking them to determine whether their trips can safely be postponed. For those who can reschedule, the agency is working to adjust bookings to later in the week when conditions are expected to improve. Riders who need assistance with changes are being directed to the NFTA paratransit phone line.

The plea reflects both the severity of the current storm and lessons learned from past winter weather emergencies in the Buffalo region. Officials emphasize that every unnecessary trip removed from the schedule reduces risk not only for passengers, but also for drivers who must navigate slick roads, blowing snow and sudden drops in visibility.

Even for those who do not use paratransit, the message from the authority is clear: if a trip is not essential today, it should be put off until conditions stabilize. Riders who feel they must travel are being urged to build in extra time, dress for extended waits in the cold and stay closely tuned to service alerts.

Paratransit Riders Face the Brunt of Disruptions

Storm-related disruptions are falling most heavily on users of NFTA’s paratransit system, which serves riders with disabilities and those who cannot easily access regular bus and rail services. With whiteout conditions possible in parts of Erie County, operators say safety margins for these door-to-door trips have shrunk considerably.

Khatib said dispatchers and call takers are reaching out to paratransit customers to review each scheduled ride, prioritizing life-sustaining and critical medical appointments while encouraging the rescheduling of nonurgent trips. The authority is particularly concerned about situations where vehicles might be delayed or blocked by road closures, leaving vulnerable riders waiting outside or in exposed entryways.

At the same time, dispatchers must account for longer travel times for every completed ride because of low speeds, snow-clogged neighborhood streets and detours caused by other storm responses. Reducing the overall number of trips, they say, is the only way to ensure that the most vital rides can be completed safely and as close to on time as possible.

For riders who cannot avoid travel, NFTA is advising that they keep phones charged, be prepared for potential delays and communicate early with the scheduling center if conditions at pickup or drop-off locations become unsafe.

Bus and Metro Rail Still Operating, but Caution Urged

While paratransit is seeing the sharpest impact, NFTA’s regular bus and Metro Rail services are also under pressure from the storm. As of Monday afternoon, the network was largely operating, but with targeted detours and service reductions in the windiest and most exposed corridors, especially near the Lake Erie shoreline and elevated routes.

The closure of Buffalo’s Skyway and restrictions on major highways have forced changes to at least one bus route that normally uses Route 5, according to local media reports. Riders in those corridors are being told to expect delays and possible diversions until visibility and wind speeds improve. Road crews are prioritizing key transit corridors, but drifting and blowing snow remain a challenge.

NFTA is urging customers who rely on bus and rail to check Metro Alerts before they leave home. The system allows riders to select specific routes and receive text or email notifications about delays, cancellations or detours. Officials say this is the most efficient way to avoid situations where passengers wait outside for buses that have been rerouted or temporarily suspended.

For riders who do not have access to the internet, customer service representatives are available by phone to provide up-to-date information on route status, schedules and any storm-related changes. The authority is also using social media to broadcast major disruptions and reinforce the call to avoid unnecessary travel.

Buffalo’s Travel Advisory and Regional Emergency Measures

The NFTA’s plea to limit travel comes as the City of Buffalo and wider Western New York region respond to mounting storm impacts. On Monday morning, city officials issued a travel advisory urging residents to avoid nonessential driving, citing the threat of strong winds, rapidly accumulating snow and whiteout conditions that could quickly turn commutes into dangerous ordeals.

Local emergency managers warn that the most intense conditions are likely during the mid to late afternoon, a period that overlaps with school dismissals and the evening rush hour. By minimizing the number of vehicles on the road, they hope to keep lanes clear for plows, tow trucks, ambulances and other emergency responders who may be needed throughout the day and night.

State officials have also moved to reduce risks on major highways. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced bans on empty tractor trailers and tandem trucks on several key routes across Western New York, including segments of the Thruway and feeder interstates. High-profile vehicles are particularly vulnerable to strong crosswinds combined with slick pavement, which can lead to jackknifed trucks and multi-vehicle pileups.

The Buffalo Skyway, an elevated route that is especially exposed to winds off Lake Erie, has been closed since early Monday morning, compounding delays but also removing a potential choke point and hazard. Transportation officials say they will reassess these restrictions once winds ease and visibility improves.

Storm Highlights Ongoing Vulnerabilities and Recent Lessons

The latest storm is reviving memories of previous winter emergencies that left Buffalo and Erie County reeling. In late 2022, a historic blizzard paralyzed the region, trapping motorists on roadways and spurring criticism that formal driving bans came too late to prevent dozens of deaths. Since then, local governments and agencies have been under pressure to act earlier and more decisively when severe winter weather threatens.

Officials appear keenly aware of those lessons today. Communications from the city, the NFTA and state agencies have repeatedly emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel well before the worst of the storm. The goal is to reduce the number of people who might be caught on the road when conditions deteriorate from manageable snowfall to sudden whiteout.

For the NFTA, that means both operational planning and public messaging. The authority is coordinating closely with city and county emergency managers, as well as with state transportation officials, to track which roads remain passable for buses and paratransit vehicles. At the same time, the call center and communications teams are working to keep riders informed and to encourage them to reschedule or cancel trips wherever possible.

Transit advocates say these early actions are critical, particularly for lower-income and disabled riders who may feel they have no choice but to travel. Clear, proactive communication about risks, alternatives and support services, they argue, can make the difference between a safe, delayed trip and a dangerous journey in life-threatening weather.

Managing Essential Travel: Guidance for Riders

For those who cannot avoid traveling during the storm, NFTA and local officials are offering specific guidance aimed at minimizing risk. Riders are urged to monitor weather forecasts closely and consider shifting essential trips earlier in the day or to windows when conditions are expected to be less severe. Medical providers and employers are being encouraged to offer flexibility where possible, including telehealth appointments and remote work options.

Transit users are advised to plan for longer-than-normal travel times, not only for the ride itself but also for transfers between routes. Dressing in layers, wearing waterproof boots and carrying hats and gloves can help protect against wind chill during waits at bus stops or rail platforms. Riders are also encouraged to bring water, necessary medications and a fully charged phone in case of unexpected delays.

NFTA recommends that riders check transit alerts just before leaving home and again as they approach their stop or station. If a route is canceled or heavily delayed, officials say it may be safer to return home or remain indoors rather than seeking alternate buses or walking long distances in poor visibility. For people with mobility impairments, they stress the importance of having a backup plan with caregivers, family members or neighbors who can assist if service is disrupted.

Drivers who might otherwise offer rides to friends or relatives are being reminded that passenger vehicles are just as vulnerable to whiteouts and icy patches as buses and trucks. Authorities stress that the safest choice, for most people, is to postpone travel until advisories are lifted and snow clearing operations can catch up.

Community Shelters, Warming Centers and Social Services

Beyond the transportation system, regional agencies and nonprofit groups are mobilizing to protect residents who are most at risk from the storm’s cold and wind. Code Blue warming centers have been activated across Buffalo, providing overnight shelter to people experiencing homelessness or living in unstable housing. Some of these centers are working with the NFTA to help distribute transit passes or coordinate transportation for individuals seeking shelter.

Emergency management officials note that as temperatures fall and winds strengthen, exposure risk rises quickly, especially for those waiting outdoors for buses or walking long distances. The availability of warming centers and emergency shelters provides a crucial safety valve, offering a place to stay indoors until conditions ease and transit service normalizes.

Local social service agencies are also checking on homebound residents, including seniors and people with disabilities who may rely on regular deliveries for food, medication or oxygen supplies. When paratransit trips are rescheduled or canceled, caseworkers are being asked to help clients identify alternate arrangements or short-term workarounds.

Community groups and neighborhood organizations are encouraging residents to look out for one another, particularly on blocks with many older or medically fragile neighbors. Simple acts such as shoveling a walkway, offering to pick up groceries later in the week or helping someone navigate a schedule change can significantly reduce the pressure on the transit system during a storm.

Outlook for the Coming Days and Recovery of Service

Forecasters expect the storm’s most dangerous period in the Buffalo area to extend through Monday evening, with conditions gradually improving as winds ease and temperatures fluctuate. However, lake effect bands and lingering gusts could continue to create travel challenges into Tuesday, especially in southtowns and other areas downwind of Lake Erie.

Transit officials say they will reassess service levels on a rolling basis, with an eye toward restoring normal frequencies and routes as soon as crews confirm that streets and key corridors are safe for heavier traffic. Plow teams are likely to focus first on major arterials and transitways to support buses and emergency vehicles before moving to residential side streets.

Riders should anticipate a lag between improving weather and fully restored service. Snowbanks, parked cars and isolated icy patches can still complicate bus operations even after skies clear. In past storms, NFTA has used limited or modified schedules for a day or more while operators work through backlogged routes and address operational challenges.

Authorities say patience and continued flexibility from riders will be essential. Many of the same drivers, mechanics, dispatchers and call center staff who are working through the storm will also be responsible for restoring the network afterward. Keeping nonessential trips off the system, they emphasize, helps speed up the return to normal for everyone.

FAQ

Q1: Why is the NFTA asking riders to reschedule or limit travel?
Officials say the combination of high winds, heavy snow and whiteout conditions has created hazardous travel across the Buffalo region, and reducing nonessential trips helps keep riders, drivers and emergency crews safer.

Q2: Are bus and Metro Rail services completely shut down?
No. As of Monday, most bus and Metro Rail services are still operating, but some routes are detoured or experiencing delays, particularly in areas affected by highway closures and poor visibility.

Q3: Who is most affected by the current disruptions?
Paratransit riders are seeing the largest impact, as NFTA is actively calling customers to ask whether nonurgent trips can be rescheduled in order to prioritize essential medical and safety-related rides.

Q4: How can I check if my route is running?
Riders are encouraged to sign up for Metro Alerts to receive real-time notifications and to call NFTA customer service if they do not have online access or need help understanding current route changes.

Q5: What should I do if I cannot avoid traveling?
If travel is absolutely necessary, officials advise dressing warmly, allowing extra time, checking alerts just before leaving and planning for possible delays or detours along the way.

Q6: Are there any driving bans in place in Buffalo?
The City of Buffalo has issued a travel advisory urging people to avoid unnecessary driving, while state officials have enacted restrictions on certain truck traffic and closed highly exposed routes such as the Skyway.

Q7: How is NFTA prioritizing which paratransit trips to keep?
Dispatchers are giving priority to life-sustaining and critical medical appointments while encouraging customers to postpone trips that can safely be delayed until after the storm.

Q8: What resources are available for people without shelter in this weather?
Code Blue warming centers and emergency shelters have been activated in Buffalo, and some are coordinating with NFTA and local agencies to help people reach safe indoor locations.

Q9: When is transit service expected to return to normal?
Officials say full restoration will depend on how quickly winds ease and roads are cleared, but riders should expect at least some disruptions to continue into Tuesday and possibly beyond in the hardest-hit areas.

Q10: What can riders do to help during the storm?
By canceling or rescheduling nonessential trips, staying informed about changing conditions and checking on vulnerable neighbors, riders can reduce strain on the system and help keep the network safer for those who must travel.