weather

Batavia demonstrated this morning that it knows how to dig out pretty quickly after getting in the neighborhood of a foot of snow overnight. By midmorning, most residents had their driveways and sidewalks cleared and a few others were just finishing up.

Above, Jack Chmielowiec, Otis Street.

Eric Haile, Summit Street.

Rick Porter, Prospect Avenue. Porter also had a request for his fellow Batavians: Please shovel your sidewalks and around your hydrants.

Leon Koukides, South Jackson Street.

Gabe Abdella, South Jackson Street.

Karen Zerbe and Bill Barton, Jackson Avenue.

Letter to the Editor:

Now that winter is fully upon us, it is important to be reminded of a few things in regards to snow removal and winter driving:

 

1. During and after snow events, highway agencies, in the course of plowing, receive phone calls regarding damage to mailboxes, either from snow plows directly or from the force of snow being thrown by plows.  If such damage is indeed caused by snow removal, it is not done intentionally.  It is, however, an unfortunate consequence of snow removal.  As far as the particular agencies replacing damaged mailboxes, it must be pointed out that there is no statutory or legal authority requiring them to do so.  In fact, under Section 319 of the New York State Highway Law, mailboxes are considered highway obstructions and are only “allowed” in the right-of-way as a convenience to the owner as it is understood they are required for mail delivery.  Additionally, an opinion issued by the Attorney General on February 28, 1966 stated, “When the necessity of keeping the highway open conflicts with an individual’s reception of the mail, the later must stand aside.”  Highway crews do their best to avoid mailboxes, but often times visibility, oncoming traffic and heavy snow work against them.  The best method to protect your mailbox during the winter months is to ensure it is properly attached to the post and to keep the mailbox assembly simple to limit impact surface area for plowed snow.

2. Over the last few years, the practice of plowing or depositing snow from private driveways or private property onto the highway has increased significantly, especially after roadways are cleared and snow has been pushed back behind the shoulders by highway agencies.  This is a dangerous practice and it is strictly prohibited under Section 1219 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Section 214 of the New York State Highway Law.  Depositing snow or ice onto the roadway or shoulder may result in a serious accident and the person or persons responsible may be liable to a fine of $1000.00 per day, per occurrence for each day the occurrence remains uncorrected.  Police agencies and highway agencies will issue written warnings prior to issuing tickets.

3. “Slick Roads Cause Accident” is often a frequent newspaper headline during in the winter months.  The truth is that slick roads may contribute to an accident but they are not the sole cause of accidents.  Accidents are generally caused by drivers who fail to drive appropriately for winter conditions.  Sections 1180(a) and 1180(e) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law state that “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.”  Accepted safe winter driving practices include, but are not limited to, slower driving, increased braking distance and increased vehicle separation.  Following these guidelines will significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident on slick roads.

4. Highway agencies spend a considerable amount of tax money to ensure the roads are cleared in an efficient manner after snow and ice events.  Snow removal efforts do not guarantee bare or dry roads.  The cost to provide these conditions would far outstrip what most tax payers would be willing to pay.  Even when bare roads can be obtained, weather conditions such as wind and rapidly dropping temperatures can alter highway conditions dramatically from area to the next.  The best course of action for anyone traveling during the winter months is to adjust your driving to meet the conditions present.

Please drive safe, be patient and have a Happy New Year!

Timothy J. Hens, PE
Genesee County Superintendent of Highways

A tractor trailer is in a ditch and on its side in the area 6086 Broadway Road, just west of Transit Road. The driver initially could not get out, but then managed to get out of the cab. He is uninjured. Bethany Fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Bethany incident, trucker was hauling canned goods.  There appears to be no fuel spill at this time.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Parise's is so backed up with calls that they can't respond to the truck call until tomorrow.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: The trucker's company is sending another truck to assess the situation. Bethany FD will put out cones, even though the truck is a little off the roadway and clearing the scene.  The trucker will notify dispatch if and when the truck is moved tonight.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Vehicle off the road on Alleghany Road.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: The vehicle off Alleghany Road, Darien, needs a wench out and is extremely low on gas, but a dispatcher said there's no guarantee of a quick response from a towing company. They're all "extremely backed up," he said. Meanwhile, a deputy is following a vehicle back to a trailer park on Clinton Street Road. The vehicle has a locked up tire.  And, a vehicle is off the road on Fisher Road and another motorist is trying to pull it out, but neither has hazard lights on, according to a caller.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: A deputy was going to give a courtesy ride to the Alleghany Road driver back to his residence, but an AJ's truck in the area, "as luck would have it," according to a dispatcher, just became available in Darien.

UPDATE 8:13 p.m.: Caller on Fisher Road reports a driver doing donuts on the caller's lawn. And, there is a disabled vehicle on Richmond Avenue, Batavia.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m. Back in Bethany, the trucker's company is dispatching a tow, which should be there in about 20 minutes.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Another car off the road on Fisher Road. A deputy happened by. The driver has her own tow in route.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Deputy who responded to "donut" call on Fisher: "It looks like he just went off the road. Talked with the complainant. He's all set."

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: A tractor trailer is reportedly off the road and in a ditch on Route 63, south of Little Canada Road.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Another report of another driver doing donuts near an intersection, but I didn't catch the location.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: Photo of the truck on its side on Route 63 on Route 20, between Suicide Corners and Texaco Town, from Doug Yeomans.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Disabled car in westbound traffic lane of West Main Street Road, awaiting AAA.

UPDATE 1:32 a.m.: Tractor trailer stuck on Route 77, Darien, near the fire hall.

UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: A truck is stuck on Cedar Street.

UPDATE 10:17 p.m.: A deputy on Route 63 near Clapsaddle has come across a vehicle that needs a winch out.

UPDATE 10:29 p.m.: Batavia PD is out with a disabled vehicle on West Main Street near Porter Avenue.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: A Trooper is dispatched to Ellicott Street Road near Shepard Road for a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road.

UPDATE 10:35 p.m.: Disabled vehicle at Bank and Main.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Deputy coming on duty, "In service, snow patrol." A woman on Roanoke Road got stuck and for some reason got out of her vehicle to call her husband. She locked her keys in the car and is now awaiting a deputy. There's a vehicle off the road on Cole Road, but it's well off the road and the owner is going to leave it there until the morning.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Bethany fire police requested to Route 63 and Shepard. The tow operator requested traffic stopped for that incident. 

UPDATE 11:16 p.m.: Vehicle stuck in the snow in Alabama, off Wright Road.

UPDATE 11:17 p.m.: For the woman on Roanoke, her husband showed up, pulled her out and had an extra set of keys.

UPDATE 11:25 p.m.: Several vehicles are stuck at Route 20 and Route 77.

UPDATE 11:29 p.m.: Car fire, in roadway at 2989 Galloway Road. Town of Batavia Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: Vehicle disabled on Bank Street in front of the nursing home, backing up traffic.

UPDATE 11:36 p.m.: A patrol car is stuck on Galloway Road.  A state DOT worker is stuck on Slusser Road.  Now, the deputy got himself unstuck, but he doesn't think he can make it to the fire location. The road is covered with high drifting snow.  The patrol will attempt to follow the fire trucks to the location.

UPDATE 11:42 p.m. Fire truck drivers advise the deputy not to try and follow them. A driver says "Galloway has disappeared, but we'll get there."

UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: A little unclear here.  Something about a fire truck arriving on scene, but nothing showing.  Then something about this isn't it, "and we'll continue west," then something about a vehicle off the road in a ditch.

UPDATE 11:51 p.m.: Vehicle is located. "It's still going," according to a responding firefighter.

UPDATE 11:54 p.m.: It's suggested that town plows hit the roads again.  A dispatcher said they just went home for some sleep after being on the road since 3 p.m.. The dispatcher asks if it's necessary for them to come out?  "I think they're going to have to," is the answer.

UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: Vehicle off the road, Route 237, Bergen.

UPDATE 12:07 a.m.: A deputy is still trying to figure out how to get to the vehicle fire on Galloway Road, but a supervisor suggests that if the fire isn't suspecious, there's no need to go.  A Batavia chief confirms the fire is not suspicious. There's a car stuck on Park Road. 

UPDATE 12:11: a.m.: Truck still suck on Cedar Street.  Tow company on scene with that truck and they're discussing whether to do the tow tonight or tomorrow. Also, another truck is now off the road on Cedar Street and a tow is attempting to pull it out. Mercy EMS is requested to a medical call in the city, but road conditions make it a 15 minute ETA.  That car blocking on State Street?  It's still there.

UPDATE 12:18 a.m.: The latest forecast: Snow at a rate of up to two inches an hour until 2 a.m., and then tapering off to light snow for the rest of the night.

UPDATE 12:20 a.m.: Batavia PD has come upon a car stuck and blocking Denio at Bank and Denio.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: A car is stuck on Cohocton and the "nice gentleman" who is driving it called to let dispatchers know that he could use a cup of coffee while awaiting a tow.  A deputy is dispatched to check on his well being.  The deputy dispatched was at that moment at Brickhouse Corners where he just came upon a Buffalo News delivery truck that is stuck.

UPDATE 12:53 a.m.: A car stuck on Parmalee and another one on Route 19, trying to go uphill, at Parmalee.

UPDATE 12:56 a.m.: A pickup truck with a snow plow is attempting to pull out the "nice gentleman" on Cohocton Road.

UPDATE 12:59 a.m.: Two vehicles stuck on Ross Street.

UPDATE 1:05 a.m.: Chimney fire reported at 10838 Molasses Hill Road, Alexander. Alexander Fire with mutual aid from Town of Batavia responding.

UPDATE 1:15 a.m.: There is some fire at the chimney fire. Town of Batavia asked to standby in quarters.

UPDATE 1:20 a.m.: Bethany Fire request to Molasses Hill.  Somewhere there is another tractor trailer off the road (didn't catch where) and there are cars off the road in the area of Circular Hill Road.

UPDATE 1:42 a.m. Related to the 1:20 a.m. update, it was South Street Road, and his patrol vehicle is now stuck.

View Larger Map

UPDATE 1:07 a.m.: An Alexander chief suggests the trucks will need to come in on Dry Bridge Road because they'll never make it up Mollasses Hill Road. Another chief suggests that the chief arriving on scene and make an assessment on whether Town of Batavia's response will be necessary.  "We don't want them to come any further than they have to."

UPDATE 1:11 a.m.: A second call in Alexander's district, a general alarm of fire at 10176 Gillette Road. Alexander is asking Darien to respond to the second call.

UPDATE 1:23 a.m.: Gillette Road call was accidental activation.

UPDATE 1:39 a.m.: Sheriff supervisor tells dispatch to get the towns out now and start plowing.  "I'm going down (forget the road) now and if I don't keep moving, I'm done. If we have to respond anywhere in an emergency we'll have a real problem."

UPDATE 1:44 a.m.: Attica Fire requested to Mollasas Hill. All avaialble manpower for Alexander requested to Mollassas Hill. Town plows (not sure which town) are scheduled to hit the roads again at 3 a.m. A tow driver is headed to South Street Road to assist the stuck Sheriff's patrol.

UPDATE 1:49 a.m.: Town of Batavia's Ladder 25 now requested to Mollassas Hill.

UPDATE 1:51 a.m.: Multiple cars are stuck on Route 262, Elba, and have been there for some time.  State Police received a call and contacted Genesee dispatchers. As far as dispatchers know, either tow trucks or state DOT are going to the area, but "it's going to be a while."  Also, in Basom, a doctor needs to go to the hospital in Medina and is stuck in the snow.

UPDATE 2:42 a.m.: Route 262 east of Route 98, Elba, is barely passable.

UPDATE 3:12 a.m.: Calling it a night. Alexandar and mutual aid companies still on scene at Mollassas Hill.  The calls for stuck cars has dropped off to nothing.

Main and Oak.

Harvester Avenue.

Behind the Harvester building.

Masse Gateway.

Genesee County is surrounded by one big winter storm.

The National Weather Service predicts the storm will start to hit WNY hard during the afternoon/evening commute. A winter storm warning -- and upgrade from the previous watch -- has been issued for the area.

From six to 12 inches of snow are expected to fall tonight and another one to three inches tomorrow.

Heavy snowfall could start as early as 5 p.m.

Winds will be from the northeast at 20 to 30 mph with visibility less than a quarter mile and whiteout conditions at times.

During the night, snow could fall at a rate of two inches an hour. The heaviest snowfall from this storm may be in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region with Batavia seeing only about a foot of snow.

Travel conditions will be difficult, according to the weather service.

In our region, snowfall should taper off by midmorning. Some freezing rain is possible in the afternoon. Weather systems should keep the region colder than average though next week with possible lake effect snowstorms during the period.

Up to a foot of snow in the region is possible for Wednesday afternoon, starting about 4 p.m., through Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch.

The weather service warns of hazardous driving conditions.

As for tonight, up to an inch of snow could fall by 4:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow in Batavia and Northern Genesee County, and other nearby areas, effective at 4 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday.

Accumulations of two to three inches snow are expected Friday night, and again on Saturday, leading to storm totals of four to six inches, with the greatest amounts expected inland from the lakeshores.

Winds will blow westerly at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph producing blowing and drifting snow late Friday night through Saturday. Visibility will get down to a half mile at times. This will result in difficult travel at times. Expect snow-covered roads and reduced visability.

A winter weather advisory is normally issued for a variety of winter weather conditions such as light snow and blowing snow. While the weather will be significant, the word advisory implies that severe winter weather is not anticipated.

We need snow. Ask any snomobiler. Without snow, there is a lot less winter fun.

But there's also an economic impact. There's a whole industry of bars, restaurants, repair shops, fireplace retailers and other businesses that depend on cold weather and snow.

The forecast for this winter is: We just don't know.

"There's an equal chance for above or below normal for both temperature and precipitation," said Jim Mitchell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

If the start of winter had seen the formation of an El Nino or a La Nina, then forecasters could make a longer range prediction on what kind of winter we might expect. Without either of those weather phenomena, the outlook is neutral.

The longest range prediction, Mitchell said is that outside of today, we'll see warmer and drier conditions for about a week and then some colder temperatures and some precipitation up to about 18 days out.

There is a chance, Mitchell said, of a white Christmas.

Kevin Fisher, president of Genesee Sno Packers, is keeping an eye on the weather.

Last year's dry winter resulted in fewer people -- about half of normal -- registering their snowmobiles.

Most of the state fee for registrations -- $35 of it -- went to local snowmobile clubs to help maintain the state's 10,000-mile trail system.

Without that money, many clubs may be hurting, Fisher said.

"In your household, a business, in any organization, getting half of your funding cut is pretty hard to swallow," Fisher said.

If that happens again this year, the impact could be devastating.

"My biggest fear is that snowmobile clubs, not necessarily right here in Genesee County, but statewide, are going to have difficulty staying afloat," Fisher said. "The trail system as we know it will start to come apart."

Right now, registrations statewide are down 17,000 from this time a year ago.

Fisher suggested that people at least join their local clubs, pay their local dues, that will at least help finance some trail grooming.

Guy Clark, owner of Cedar Street Sales and Rentals, said he always has a plan A, B, or C for his seasonable business.

In a normal winter, Clark said Cedar Street might sell 100 to 150 snowblowers and service twice that many.

That didn't happen last winter, but the winter was so mild, his service department kept busy getting lawn mowers ready for spring, and the early spring helped with other sales.

It actually would have been a worse winter if there had only been about a foot of snow and then the ground just stayed frozen for a month or two, Clark said.

When it's cold, said Rita Towner, co-owner of WNY Fireplace Outlet, and home heating oil bills are going through the roof, people start looking at less expensive alternatives for heat, such as wood or pellets.

"We're creatures of habit," Towner said. "When it's cold, we want to be warmer, but we don't want to pay extra money."

But while sales have been slow for wood and pellet systems, Towner said, it's been a weird winter so far. A lot of people are coming in looking for gas inserts, and those sales are balancing the books.

"There are a lot of people who are getting away from wood and looking for something more efficient," Towner said.

As for a longer term outlook -- the kind possibly related to climate change -- Mitchell said he isn't looking at the weather patterns that way. Everything balances out, he said, and while WNY had an unseasonably mild winter in 2012, Alaska had colder temperatures and more snow than average, as did much of northern Europe.

A lot depends, he said, on the jet stream. If it pushes cold Canadian air into the Northeast, we're more likely to get winter storms. When the jet stream stays to the north, we get warmer weather, but somebody else is colder.

For snowmobilers now is not the time to worry about a lack of snow, Fisher said. It's what comes later this month and January that matters.

"We could have a great winter yet and technically the trails don’t open until Dec. 19, so as present of a snowmobile club, I’m glad it’s not snowing right now," Fisher said. "I would like to see cold and get the ground frozen, but as far as snow, no, because there’s still hunters out there. It’s their time. It’s their season. If there’s snow people are tempted to go out and ride."

Riding now, he said, causes problems with property owners who donate land to trails -- and they are often are also hunters -- so Fisher is glad people are off the trails.

The weather and the economy definitely have a ripple effect, Clark said.

First, many of his customers do landscaping during the summer and spring, and if they're not plowing driveways in the winter, they're not making the money that will help pay for a new lawn mower in the spring.

Second, Clark noted, there are a lot of businesses, such as bars and restaurants and gas stations, that depend on snowmobilers to provide them with winter cash flow.

"Those business owners are the customers of everybody else," Clark said. "If they're not doing well, they're not going to spend."

A bit of snow started mid-morning giving Batavia a little dusting over grass, on tree limbs and the hoods of cars. The light snow fall is expected to continue through the afternoon with an accumulation by 5:30 p.m. of about an inch. The forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy with a high of 39 degrees.

Sandy Mullen sent in this picture of the large willow that fell in her back yard on Ross Street, Batavia.

So far, the front edge of Hurricane Sandy (now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone) has produced little weather-related activity in Genesee County.

At 1788 Roberts Road a tree is reportedly hitting a power line causing sparking. Alabama Fire Department is responding.

There is one small power outage in the county, in Byron, affecting fewer than five customers. Power restoration is expected by 9:30 p.m. The outage was initially reported at 7:01 p.m.

UPDATE 8:29 p.m.: Alabama reports a little sparking that they won't be able to do anything about, so back in service.

UPDATE 8:34 p.m.: There is a power outage on Roberts Road. Fewer than five customers without power. Power restoration estimated for 10:15 p.m. 

An ambulance has been requested to 3340 W. Main St. Road to check on a driver complaining of chest pain from an airbag deployment. The car reportedly hit a tree. It was originally reported as a non-injury accident.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: A second ambulance requested to the accident.

UPDATE 8:47 p.m.: Forecast for the next six hours: "Light rain. Cloudy with strong and gusty winds. Temperatures steady near the upper 40s. Winds from the north at 30 to 35 mph. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch."

UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: On the accident, four people transported. Minor injuries.

UPDATE 9:16 p.m.: Two more small power outages reported. One on Pearl Street in the city, fewer than five customers, and another small one off Kelsey Road, Batavia.

UPDATE 9:47 p.m.: Elba Fire Department requested to Ford Road and Norton Road for a power line arcing and sparking.

UPDATE 9:52 p.m.: The power outage on Roberts Road has expanded to affect 27 homes. There's an outage of five or fewer homes on Lockport Road, east of Route 77.

UPDATE 9:56 p.m.: Report on Ford and Norton, Elba, appears to be unfounded.

UPDATE 10:02 p.m.: Clarification, there is an issue with a wire. National Grid requested to the scene. Elba back in service.

UPDATE 10:15 p.m.: Because of school closings, Le Roy's Section C Sectional Championship game has been rescheduled to noon, Sunday. The game was originally scheduled for Friday evening. The game will still be played in Rochester.

UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: There's a report of a tree and pole down across the road just west of 3967 Rose Road, Batavia. Town of Batavia fire dispatched.

UPDATE 10:33 p.m.: Branch and wire down reported on Buell Street. City fire responding.

UPDATE 10:40 p.m.: Wire on Buell is a telephone line. City fire cutting it and getting it out of the street.

UPDATE 10:41 p.m.: Rose Road, tree completely blocking. National Grid on scene.

UPDATE 11:03 p.m.: A pole has fallen on a car at 8286 Byron Holley Road, Stafford. The car is unoccupied. Unknown if the wires are live. Stafford fire responding.

UPDATE 11:11 p.m.: Rose Road is clear.

UPDATE 11:14 p.m.: Pole on Byron Holly is an old, unused utility pole with no wires attached. It was heavily rotted. Law enforcement requested to the scene to take report on property damage. Stafford back in service.

UPDATE 11:39 p.m.: A tree has reportedly fallen onto a house  at 5719 Ellicott St. Road, Bethany. Bethany fire dispatched.

UPDATE 12:06 a.m.: A reader reports power is out on Chapel Street, Elba. National Grid has not yet reported this outage. On Ellicott Street Road, the homeowner will take care of the tree with a tree service in the morning. Bethany is back in service.

UPDATE 12:13 a.m.: Missed the initial call, but Oakfield responded to a tree branched tangled with a utility line. Oakfield is back in service.

UPDATE 12:22 a.m.: Within the past couple of minutes, National Grid has posted 19 new power outages in Genesee County. Total number of customers affected, more than 1,800. Some locations have two or four outages reported in very close proximity. The outages are in Elba, Byron, Bergen, Stafford and Batavia.

UPDATE 12:31 a.m.: A utility pole with wires and a transformer is reportedly down at 6937 Lyman Road, Byron. Byron and South Byron dispatched.

UPDATE 12:42 a.m.: The yard waste sign outside the yard waste lot on Law Street blew down and partially into the roadway. A Batavia PD officer responded, and by the time he arrived, a DPW crew was already on scene. They retrieved the sign to take back to their shop.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: Winds currently 33 mph, blowing north-northeast, with gusts of 50 mph. On Lyman Road, one Byron/South Byron unit returned to hall.

UPDATE 12:59 p.m.: Report of tree down and blocking on Lake Road.

UPDATE 1:08 p.m.: This Lake Road, I think, is the Lake Road in Pembroke. The cross is Maple Road. The tree trunk is apparently leaning against a non-power line. The roadway is completely blocked.

UPDATE 1:25 a.m.: Wires reportedly down and arcing in the area of 9394 Snippery Road. Corfu fire dispatched.

UPDATE  1:30 a.m.: Corfu chief on location reports electric wire going to a house is burning.

UPDATE 1:42 a.m.: A tree is on a house on Summit Street. Law enforcement is responding to assess the situation.

UPDATE 2:08 a.m.: We've heard no further transmissions regarding the house on Summit -- not even sure if it's Le Roy or Batavia. Winds in Batavia have dropped  to 30 mph. We'll keep the scanners on, but I'm going to bed.

City residents, if you've piled your leaves in the street, please move them into the parkway -- between the curb and the sidewalk -- this morning.

City Manager Jason Molino said the city's leaf removal program started a week ago, but there's still a lot of leaves on the ground, and even though in a press release last week the city asked residents not to pile leaves in the street, some have.

"They're a hazard to cars, but in a situation like this, they clog storm drains and prevent storm water runoff," Molino said.

Residents should especially take action to prevent any piles of leaves from blocking catch basins and storm drains.

City crews -- both DPW and fire -- have been ensuring all equipment -- from pumping equipment to chainsaws and all vehicles are in good working order, fueled and ready to go.

There will be a full compliment of DPW workers available today and this evening, Molino said.

The city will have more information about storm preparedness later this morning.

A flood watch and wind warning remain in effect for Genesee County starting at 2 p.m. today.

The flood watch is scheduled to expire at noon, Tuesday. The wind warning is predicted to end at 2 p.m., Tuesday.

The predicted storm front is the remnants of Hurricane Sandy, which is reportedly moving toward the Northeast. The storm is predicted to be a Level 1 hurricane when it strikes the eastern seaboard later today. Manhattan and Brooklyn are under evacuation orders. Heavy snow is predicted for the Appalachian mountains.

For Genesee County, rain estimates range from 2-3 inches. Winds are expected in the 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

The big concern officials have about the wind is it will blow in the opposite direction than the region's prevailing winds. Trees are rooted to deal with prevailing winds and utility poles are anchored to handle wind from that normal direction. This could lead to dangerous conditions for falling trees and power outages.

Authorities urge area residents to prepare for storm damage and power outages. Click here for some recommendations from the NYS Department of Health.

Here's NOAA's Hurricane Sandy tracking page.

NOTE to schools, government agencies, businesses and event planners, please e-mail any closings or public notices to howard@thebatavian.com. Readers can e-mail photos and information to the same address.

UPDATE: Interesting time lapse video of Hurricane Sandy shot yesterday by NSAA's Earth Observatory:

Previously:

• Office of Emergency Management ready for possibility of big storm tomorrow
• National Grid girding for powerful storm from Cape Code to Buffalo

The message from a National Grid spokesman: People need to take seriously the warning of this storm heading toward Western New York.

"Every indication we've gotten is this could be nasty," said Steve Brady, who handles media relations for National Grid in WNY.

Brady indicated the forecast has grown a little grimmer in recent hours.

If the storm turns out to be as significant as predicted, National Grid will have its hands full. The storm could sweep across its coverage area from Cape Code to Buffalo.

Brady called in response to our request for more information about the 40 or so Nelson Tree Company trucks staging at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia.

While Brady didn't have specific information about that location, he said typically National Grid will stage crews at hotels in anticipation of significant weather events. There are likely other groups of crews setting up similar staging areas in other parts of New York

"In these kinds of sitautions, hotel rooms are at a premium, so we like to keep groups of crews together," Brady said. "That's fairly common."

National Grid started planning for this storm days ago, he said. There's a lot of logisitics involved in preparing behind the scenes for these kinds of events, from procuring hotel rooms to ensuring crews receive adequate food and rest and all trucks are fueled and in good repair.

"If you were on the Thruway today, you probably saw trucks going in every direction," Brady said. "Crews are going everywhere and coming from everywhere."

Earlier today, Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County, noted that the northerly winds of this predicted storm will blow in the opposition direction of prevailing winds, which could make trees more vulnerable to being blown over.

National Grid faces a similar problem, Brady said, in that utility poles have guy wires to anchor them against prevailing winds. When winds blow in the opposite direction, the guy wires are less effective.

"We think we’re as ready as anybody can be," Brady said. "The problem with any major storm is you know it's coming, but you don't know where. You don't know what areas will be hit. Every area National Grid serves is going to see some impact and that's somewhat unusual compared to other major storms."

Brady, like Yaeger earlier, encouraged residents to be prepared for a major storm, acknowledging that sometimes forecasts for major storms turn out to be overblown.

"I hope people are taking this one seriously," Brady said.

Some 30 to 40 tree-trimming trucks owned by Nelson Tree Service are parked at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia.

One pickup truck at the location had a placard on it that read "Storm Response Team."

A manager on location would not provide further information and referred us to National Grid. We've contacted the power company's after-hours media number and have not yet received a response.

When we stopped by, managers were huddled in a small conference room with phones, laptops and maps spread about. Dozens of men in OSHA-approved vests were milling about outside and in the lobby.

Nelson Tree Service is based in Dayton, Ohio.

Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County, is spending his Sunday making sure the county is ready for whatever may be coming our way tomorrow evening.

It could be the remnants of Hurricane Sandy. It could be something a little more severe, or maybe it won't be bad at all.

Yaeger's message to emergency responders and county residents: Be prepared.

"Right now, it looks like we're prepared," Yaeger said. "The biggest thing is that folks prepare themselves. Make sure they have plenty of food stuffs and water, batteries, withdraw cash from ATMs and make sure their vehicles are fueled."

The local fire chiefs have all been briefed, Yaeger said, and he's been in contact with the emergency coordinators in neighboring counties and with the state's emergency office.

The Salvation Army and UMMC have been notified.

The worse of the storm is expected downstate, and even though the current predictions for the storm in Genesee County is much like any heavy storm we experience a couple of times a year, there are some unique concerns.

Rainfall of half an inch to an inch per hour can cause localized flooding.

Plus, anytime there are sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph there is the potential for trees to come down, taking out power lines and damaging property.

Wind direction is also worrisome.

Our wind tends to blow south and west. But tree root systems grow in the opposite direction, so the northerly winds predicted for this storm may cause greater problems.

And with the rain we've had recently and the rain expected over the next 24 hours from the storm, the ground will be pretty soft and saturated.

"My biggest concern right now is if the system generates a little more energy than anticipated, or if it stalls over us for a little while, that's where I'm concerned," Yaeger said.

The Batavian is preparing to cover this storm however it may progress and we'll bring you new developments as needed.

The remnants of Hurricane Sandy are expected to bring high winds and heavy rain to Western New York from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

Two to three inches of rain are expected with 40 mph winds and gusts up to 65 mph.

A high-wind warning has been issued for Genesee County and a flood watch is in effect for all of WNY.

The National Weather Service says there is some uncertainty on the track the storm will follow with the heaviest rain and strongest wind.

"It is unusual," according to the weather service, "to get winds from the northerly direction, leaving some areas typically sheltered from strong winds more vulnerable."

There could be localized flooding both in the city and in rural parts of the county.

Winds could bring down trees and power lines.

Sandy is currently a Level One (the least strong) hurricane expected to hit the eastern seaboard sometime Monday. While not the strongest hurricane, it has the potential, according to news reports, to become a "super storm."

The width of the storm -- 105 miles -- could make it the largest such storm on record to hit the United States.

Sources:

• Reauters: Hurricane Sandy set to make history as it aims at U.S. coast
• NBC: Hurricane Sandy takes aim at Eastern Seaboard
• NOAA: Hurricane Sandy

Press release:

Western New York waterfowl hunting season opening Saturday, October 27, will likely be affected by the widespread reduced precipitation from last summer’s hot and dry weather, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. These conditions caused water levels to drop substantially in many wetlands and dried up other wetland areas. Recent rains have improved conditions; however water levels remain lower than normal. It is important for waterfowl hunters to scout potential hunting sites when making plans.

DEC Region 8 contains the state’s premiere waterfowl hunting areas in the form of the managed marshes at Iroquois and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuges and Northern Montezuma, Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The dry wetland conditions are particularly pronounced at the Iroquois WMA. In addition to some intentional drawdowns of impoundments to stimulate the growth of seed-producing annual plants preferred by waterfowl, the drought caused some additional units to go dry and the remainder to drop well below normal levels. The lack of rain also meant that there was no moving water to reflood the intentionally drained units. Several units are still mostly dry and all are below normal; many are one foot lower than usual. The number of permits issued was reduced by 20 percent for opening weekend at Tonawanda WMA due to lack of water in some impoundments.

The situation is less severe at Northern Montezuma WMA, where some wetland units dropped water levels significantly, but none went completely dry. Water levels in the Seneca River, Barge Canal and Crusoe Creek are lower than normal, but will support waterfowl and public access. Half of the managed marshes contain water levels suitable for hunting waterfowl, and in all sites, the production of seed-bearing annual plants is exceptional.

This year, for the first time in many years, the main impoundment at Conesus Inlet WMA was drained to regenerate the marsh vegetation. A normal year of precipitation would have made it difficult to keep the unit drained as there is a decent sized stream that flows through the marsh. The dry weather this year stopped that flow and allowed a complete drawdown. The unit is now reflooded to about half the normal depth where it will be held it until next year to allow the vegetation to fully rebound.

Overall, the waters in the marshes are more than enough to hold ducks and the extra vegetation and seeds produced due to the low waters will attract and hold birds. The biggest impact will be to hunters who usually access the marshes in boats. The low waters may make it impossible to float a boat, and will require wading to access the more remote locations. The increased vegetation may also make it a bit more difficult to find any downed birds.

Fall has reached that point where it's pretty much time to start raking, mowing and blowing leaves.

Joe Pero was out on South Swan Street today blowing the leaves from his trees.

Here's an announcement from the city about leaf pickup:

City wide leaf pickup will start on Monday, Oct. 29.

One city crew will begin on River Street and head east across the south side of the city.

A second city crew will start on Grandview Terrace and head west across the north side of the city.

Residents on Oak, Main and Ellicott streets are asked to place their leaves in the parkway. All other residents are asked to place their leaves in the street near the curb line.

Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and foreign materials. The Bureau of Maintenance reminds residents that catch basins are to be kept clear of leaves. To ensure that leaves are picked up, residents are asked not to park their cars in the street where there are large piles of leaves to be picked up. Please do not pile leaves in front of mail boxes, around power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.

Leaf pickup will continue as weather permits or through Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Starting Monday, Nov. 5, the Law Street Yard Waste Station hours will change to 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents are encouraged to bring leaves to the Yard Waste Station through the end of the season. (It is estimated the Yard Waste Station will remain open through Saturday, Dec. 8, before closing for the season.)

Some people have told me they've seen a forecast for snow next week. The forecast on Weather.com for the next 10 days has rain every day starting Saturday, but no snow.

A freeze watch is in effect for Genesee County tonight.

Temperatures could dip into the low 30s.

Crops, tender vegetation and outdoor plants could be damaged or killed.