WEATHER: Winter hits with a vengeance, causing rough driving

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STEPHEN WALLACE/CONTRIBUTOR
STEPHEN WALLACE/CONTRIBUTOR
STEPHEN WALLACE/CONTRIBUTOR

December 20, 2008

Anonymous The Lockport Union-Sun %26 Journal Sat Dec 20, 2008, 12:52 AM EST

By April Amadon
april.amadon@lockportjournal.com

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Even though the calendar says winter doesn’t start until Sunday, the season hit with a vengeance early Friday morning, with blowing snow causing headaches for drivers across the area.

The storm hit just as the day was beginning, and school districts throughout the area canceled classes. For most students, Friday was the last day before the holiday break.

By mid-afternoon, the snow was falling at a rate of about 1 inch per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

The Starpoint Central School District, unlike surrounding districts, did not close, but as the weather got worse, classes were canceled and students were bused home starting about 10 a.m.

In Lockport, a driving ban was placed in effect until 12:01 a.m. this morning.

Sheriff’s deputies, city police and local fire crews responded to several reports of disabled vehicles and cars in ditches.

A vehicle off the road at Upper Mountain Road and Route 31 about 5 p.m. caused a traffic backup during the evening commute.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Lockport, including a warning for heavy snow and winds around 26 mph, gusting to 38 mph.

Snow totals were estimated at 8 to 14 inches into this morning.

Northeast winds between 15 and 25 mph were expected across much of the region, especially near Lake Ontario, which raised the risk for blowing and drifting snow.

Today’s forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of precipitation. The storm is expected to taper off, and the National Weather Service forecast a half-inch of snow for the day.

More snow is expected to fall tonight and Sunday, with an 80 percent chance of precipitation Sunday.

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

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