BUFFALO, N.Y. — A snowplow from Erie County went off the road and flipped over into a ditch at Lakeview Road and Route 20 in Hamburg on Thursday morning.
The plow was found on its side in the ditch after it slid off the road.
Erie County Public Works Commissioner Bill Geary confirmed shortly after the incident that the driver was unharmed. County plows typically carry only one driver.
Crews are working to get the plow back in operation, and another truck is being sent to the area to ensure the route remains clear.
“Our drivers are professionals, but accidents like this happen, especially with zero visibility,” Geary said. “You can feel secure when driving through, thinking that as soon as the sun comes up, it will clear up, but with conditions like zero visibility, making a turn on a street can be tricky. If you misjudge and end up near an open ditch, it’s easy to find yourself in it.”
The lake-effect storm is dumping heavy snow across Western New York, particularly south of Buffalo and in northern Chautauqua County. A lake-effect snow warning is in effect for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties until 1 p.m. Friday, with some areas expected to see up to 2-3 feet of snow.