On Tuesday, a historic winter storm hit New York. To ensure that people stay off Buffalo’s snow-choked roads and remain safe, state and military police are being mobilized. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has stated that the driving ban in Buffalo will continue, and around 100 military police have been brought in to supplement the state troopers already there. As of Tuesday, the death toll from the winter storm had climbed to at least 28.
The driving ban ensures that those living in Buffalo and its surrounding areas stay safe during this extreme weather event. According to Poloncarz’s tweet, “DO NOT try to drive in or into the City of Buffalo. The driving ban remains.” Poloncarz also tweeted that “100 military police and additional troopers from @nyspolice are coming into Buffalo for traffic control and ticketing.” This mobilization helps supplement existing personnel with extra manpower so they can be sure to enforce the driving ban, ensuring people do not get trapped in their cars due to poor visibility or other dangerous conditions caused by the storm.
Taking precautions such as avoiding unnecessary travel on roadways is essential during major winter storms like this one to ensure safety and minimize loss of life and property damage caused by extreme snowfall amounts, ice accumulations, and strong winds. The mobilizing of military police alongside state troopers gives us a glimpse into just how serious New York is taking this event – ensuring that those living there remain safe throughout what could be some very treacherous times ahead until conditions improve again soon.
