‘We’re ready’: Impact of potential snow on post-Thanksgiving travel and the Buffalo Bills game

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — For the first time this season, snow is in the forecast for much of Western New York, with the potential for a “significant” lake effect event later this week and the weekend.

So, we’re looking into the possible impacts on Thanksgiving travel and the Sunday Night Football game in Orchard Park between the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.

“We’ve been watching it now for about a week,” said Andy Slotman, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Orchard Park. “We’re anticipating winter weather coming in for the end of the holiday and the Bills game Sunday.”

Slotman told me that the Town of Orchard Park works with the state and county during any snow event to clear the roads near and around Highmark Stadium.

“We’ll have a lot of visitors that come into our community. We’ll be here probably on standby to make sure they can all get home safely if the weather does come in as predicted,” said Slotman. “We’re ready.”

Elizabeth Carey with the AAA predicts the number of people flying or driving to their holiday destination could surpass 80 million.

She said new federal regulations should make it easier for travelers to receive refunds if they face any cancellations or long delays because of the weather.

“They have to give you a refund if that’s what you want,” said Carey. “So, you have the option of a refund or the other flight they’re going to put you on. But you can’t have both.”

WKBW

“We’re from New York so it doesn’t matter. We’ll make do with whatever.”

WKBW

“Is what it is. I mean I’m used to it.”

WKBW

“I’m willing to stay there as long as I need to. I’m worried a little bit about coming back and running into it but hopefully everything will be okay.”

But if you’re not traveling during the holiday, the Erie County Office of Health Equity released some winter weather preparedness tips, including purchasing essential supplies and checking for updates through reliable sources.

You can create your own emergency plan and purchase winter weather essentials online here and here.