Recommendations for weathering the weather

2 min read

Dan Kowalik Emergency Manager, Town of Newstead/Village of Akron, has shared the following information from Erie County.

Due to expected winter storm conditions, a Travel Advisory will be in place for all of Erie County starting at 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

A multi-day winter weather storm with strong winds, heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures will affect Western New York starting Monday, January 19. This will create hazardous travel conditions on roads, highways and sidewalks. Most parts of Erie County will receive one foot or more of snow through Wednesday; major impacts will be seen in towns and cities in central Erie County, and along Lake Erie. Power outages are possible, and extremely low temperatures will continue this week.

Prepare now and plan to check on neighbors, especially households with older adults, people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions, or young children.

If you must travel, make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle or with you. Have food and emergency supplies on hand, including ways to get information, like a battery-operated radio, ways to stay warm, flashlights and medications.

Keep devices charged and stay up to date with weather forecasts and travel updates. The Erie County Winter Storm Scale page is updated regularly with projected snowfall totals and weather impacts.

Use caution when shoveling snow and clearing snow. Dress warmly in layers, take frequent breaks, and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Winter Weather Preparedness Information sheets in 13 languages are available from the International Institute of Buffalo. https://iibuffalo.org/news/winter25-26

With extremely cold temperatures this week, people who work or spend time outdoors should remember:

• Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.

• Ensure access to clean drinking water.

• Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.

• Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

http://www.erie.gov/winter – more winter safety recommendations.