Local Matters

>> Download <<
New iOS App
New Android App

weather

August 10, 2021 - 11:00am

Heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. tomorrow

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, news.

The heat index is expected to be in the mid-90s today and near 100 tomorrow.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

From the National Weather Service:

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 911.

August 9, 2021 - 12:26pm

Heat advisory in effect until 7 p.m.

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, news, notify.

The heat index today could reach as high as 100 degrees according to the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region.

The index will at least hit 95 degrees.

High heat and humidity may cause heat-related illness.

The NWS advises:

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

July 1, 2021 - 10:39pm

Flash Flood Warning in effect now until 1:30 a.m. for Central Genesee County

posted by Press Release in weather, news, central genesee county.

From the National Weather Service office in Buffalo:

At 10:28 p.m. the National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a Flash Flood Warning for Central Genesee County in Western New York until 1:30 a.m. July 2.

Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Radar estimated that 2 to 3 inches of rain has already fallen over the warned area and an additional half to one inch of rain will be possible.

Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Batavia, Oakfield and East Pembroke.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS -- "Turn around, don`t drown" when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

April 20, 2021 - 9:49am

Snow expected to hit region tonight and into the morning

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, news.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for midnight tonight until 2 p.m. on Wednesday with from 3 to 6 inches of snow predicted from a storm passing through the area.

Travelers should plan on slippery road conditions.

"This will be a heavy, wet snow, and may result in isolated power outages and downed tree limbs," according to the National Weather Service.

April 1, 2021 - 2:46pm

Photo: It's spring and it's snowing

posted by Howard B. Owens in bergen, news, weather.

C.M. Barons shared this photo of snow falling on this spring garden in Bergen this afternoon.

March 26, 2021 - 2:29pm

Gale-force winds knock out power for at least 3,000 National Grid customers in Genesee County

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, news, notify.

More than 3,000 National Grid customers spread out over more than 15 locations in Genesee County had power outages following heavy winds that swept through the region late this morning and afternoon.

The outages include:

Le Roy and Bergen (centered in the Village of Le Roy), two outages affecting 2,435 customers. A crew has been assigned and it is accessing conditions.
Bethany, one outage along Bethany Center Road just south of Ellicott Street Road, 20 customers. A crew has been assigned.
Alexander, two outages, both just north of the village, affecting 75 and 81 customers. A crew assigned to the southern of the two outages but not yet to the other outage. A third outage, affecting fewer than five customers is reported near Attica.
A small outage is reported just south of Darien Center. No crew assigned.
Basom, two outages on the reservation along the county line with one crossing the county line. One outage, 774 customs, a crew assigned. Another, 731 customers, a crew is assigned. Another, more to the eastern side of the reservation, 105 customers. There are also two smaller outages with crews assigned.
Alabama, one outage along Lewiston Road, 21 customers, no crew assigned.
Village of Oakfield, multiple outages affecting 821 customers, a crew is assigned.
Elba, just east of the village, north of Route 262, 22 customers, no crew assigned.
Batavia, there were two outages but both appear to have been cleared.

Scanner traffic was heavy for awhile late this morning and early afternoon. As for what fire crews responded to, here's what we know:

Downed lines at 73 W. Main St. in Le Roy prompted the closure on Main at Gilbert and East Bethany - Le Roy roads. National Grid responded to the scene
Also in Le Roy, a tree and/or wires were down in the roadway blocking traffic on south Route 19 near Washington Street.
Wires in the roadway at Dodgeson and Hickox roads in Alexander.
A tree, wires, and power lines were reported down in the 6800 block of Norton Road in Elba.

March 25, 2021 - 4:36pm

National Grid girding for gale force winds tomorrow

posted by Press Release in Gale force winds, weather, news, National Grid.

Press release:

In anticipation of gale-force winds that could exceed 60 mph beginning Friday morning in Western New York, National Grid is increasing staffing to include 1,300 line, service, tree, damage assessment and public safety workers.

The bolstered field force includes external resources and will be deployed across the region as necessary if the anticipated wind event disrupts electricity service to customers. The company will continue to closely monitor the weather forecast and has activated its comprehensive emergency response plan, which includes:

Securing extra resources and mobilizing field and tree crews.
Pre-staging crews and materials in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted.
Proactively reaching out to elected, municipal and emergency management officials to keep them updated on our preparations and provide safety information.
Reaching out directly to customers through traditional and social media, email and texts, and on our website to provide safety information and to urge them to be prepared.
Conducting outbound calls to life support and critical facility customers to ensure that they are prepared.

In anticipation of the adverse weather, National Grid also provides customers with the following safety reminders:

Electricity & Generator Safety

If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should immediately be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 9-1-1.
Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure todisconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in theelectric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1 -800-642-4272. (In a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.)
Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

Stay Informed and Connected

Customers with active electricity accounts who text "REG" to 64743 can receive personalized alerts via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their premises. Customers also can text "OUT" to 64743 to report an outage.
For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.
Visit our website: http://www.nationalgridus.com

February 16, 2021 - 6:30pm

Photo: Sunset from Kelsey Road

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, sunset, news, batavia.

This evening's sunset from Kelsey Road, Batavia.

Photo by Cory Coles.

February 16, 2021 - 1:59pm

Photos: Around Batavia after overnight snowstorm

posted by Howard B. Owens in batavia, weather, news.

Three-year-old Matthew helps his father, Tom Cunningham, shovel snow on Kibbe Avenue.

Kathy Ferrara clears the sidewalk outside her business on East Main, Batavia's Original Pizzeria.

Dave Graney shoveling snow on Ellicott Avenue.

Elmwood Cemetery

Kibbe Park

Ellicott Street at Liberty Street

East Main Street

Snowman on Ganson Avenue

February 15, 2021 - 2:41pm

Winter storm warning in effect for tonight

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, news.

A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Genesee County starting at 7 p.m. and going to 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Heavy snow is expected with from seven to 14 inches of accumulation is possible.

The storm is expected to sweep through all of Western New York with some areas receiving heavier snowfall.

Travel could be difficult to impossible. There will be areas of blowing snow and hazardous conditions will impact commute traffic sometime Tuesday morning.

February 6, 2021 - 9:24am

Photos: A snowy Saturday morning in Batavia

posted by Howard B. Owens in weather, news, batavia.

Area residents woke up to a blanket of fluffy snow this morning with snowfall expected to continue into the early afternoon.

February 4, 2021 - 3:59pm

'Treacherous' heavy snow, high winds, low visibility expected: 'Stay home if you can'

posted by Press Release in weather, news.

From Tim Hens, superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department:

There is an increasing likelihood that Genesee County will be the target of a significant lake effect snow band from early Friday evening until late Saturday night.

The worst conditions are anticipated in the western half of the county, but all areas are likely to receive significant snow coupled with strong winds.

Understandably this is “Just winter in WNY” but driving conditions are expected to be treacherous in this lake effect event primarily due to high winds and low visibility. There is a solid base of snow already on the ground, so significant drifting into roadways will also be a problem.

Plan ahead and stay home if you can.

If you must go out, please check for conditions, drive slowly and do not crowd the plows.

Please be responsible and do not wait for “Travel Advisories” or “No Unnecessary Travel Advisories” to be issued as these are often done reactively after first responders are already swamped with cars off the roads.

February 3, 2021 - 3:26pm

Winter storm watch issues for Friday night and Saturday

posted by Howard B. Owens in news, weather.

A winter storm watch has been issued for Western New York starting Friday, with Genesee County included in the area that could see as much as nine inches of lake effect snow.

The watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, with the heaviest lake effect snow expected Friday night into Saturday.

Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, which could mean considerable blowing and driving snow making travel difficult.

Visibility could also be reduced.

January 31, 2021 - 5:19pm

Hazardous Weather Outlook forecast this week

posted by Billie Owens in weather, news.

This afternoon a Hazardous Weather Outlook was forecast for Genesee County and elsewhere in portions of Western and North Central New York by the National Weather Service Office in Buffalo.

Beginning tomorrow night, Feb. 1, a strong low-pressure system will move very slowly northward along the East Coast through Wednesday.

"Snow will spread back to the north and west and into portions of the regions later Monday night through Tuesday before slowly tapering off from west to east Wednesday."

There remains a great deal of uncertainty about how far west accumulating snow will spread, and the amount of snow to be expected. Moderate snow accumulations are possible from the Genesee Valley to the eastern Lake Ontario region during this time period.

December 26, 2020 - 9:26am

Photos: Birds feast at snow-covered suet cake

posted by Howard B. Owens in batavia, news, weather.

A pair of birds managed to make it to the seed in suet cake in the Batavia backyard of Jason Smith this morning despite several inches of snow overnight.

Send your snow-related photos to [email protected].

December 24, 2020 - 12:14pm

National Grid girds for powerful winter storm forecast to start today

posted by Press Release in news, National Grid, winter storm, weather.

Press release:

National Grid is preparing for a potentially powerful winter storm that is forecasted to impact much of Upstate New York beginning today. To prepare, the company has increased its statewide staffing to include 1,900 line, service, tree, damage assessment and public safety workers.

The bolstered field force includes external resources and will be deployed as necessary, as high winds, rain and heavy snow are forecasted through Saturday for several counties in Western and Central New York, including communities east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. In Eastern New York forecasts call for wind, heavy rain and the possibility of isolated flooding.

National Grid will continue to closely monitor the weather, and has activated its comprehensive emergency response plan, including:

Calling in extra resources, and mobilizing field and tree crews.
Prestaging crews and materials in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted.
Proactively reaching out to elected, municipal and emergency management officials to keep them updated on our preparations and provide safety information.
Reaching out directly to customers through traditional and social media, email and texts and on our website to provide safety information and to urge them to be prepared.
Conducting outbound calls to life support and critical facility customers to ensure they are prepared.

In anticipation of the storm, the company is encouraging customers to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

Electricity & Generator Safety

If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 9-1-1.

Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.

Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642- 4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.
Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

Use Caution When Addressing Ice and Snow Buildup

National Grid reminds home and building owners to be especially cautious as they work to clear snow and ice by following these safety recommendations:

Gas customers should clear snow and ice from gas meters and regulators by gently using a snow brush or broom. Never kick, hit or use sharp objects to remove snow and ice. If a meter and/or regulator is encased in solid ice, call National Grid at 1-800-642-4272.
Gas customers should ensure vents for natural gas appliances are clear of snow and ice. Covered or clogged vents can lead to the build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide.
Customers who detect an odor of natural gas or suspect carbon monoxide is present in their home, should go outside immediately and breathe deeply. If CO poisoning symptoms, such as headaches or drowsiness, are severe, immediately call 9-1-1.
Customers experiencing gas odors or electricity emergencies should immediately callNational Grid’s emergency number: 1-800-867-5222.
Keep all ladders, shovels, roof rakes and other devices well clear of any service lines coming from the street to the structure.
Start clearing snow from the opposite end of the roof from the service point where electricity is delivered.
If you are unsure of how to go about clearing snow and ice, or if your roof is particularly steep, contact a qualified roofing contractor.
As snow is removed from the roof, be aware of what is below that could become buried as snow hits the ground. Be especially mindful of the location of your electricity and gas meters, as they could be damaged by falling snow and ice.
Snow removal equipment operators should also be aware of the presence of electricity and natural gas equipment and avoid coming in contact with meters or piling snow around vents and other equipment mounted on the outside of buildings.

Stay informed and connected

Customers with active electricity accounts who text "REG" to 64743 can have personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their properties.
Customers also can text "OUT" to 64743 to report an outage.
For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.
Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook.