HTN: Storms Leave Damage in Niagara County

Storms rolled through Western New York yesterday, especially pounding northern Niagara County. Lightning struck a church chimney at Ransomville Baptist Church and there were several reports of downed utility lines, power failures, traffic signal outages and the like. National Grid reported that seven-thousand Niagara County lost power around the area yesterday. They were mostly restored by 4 p.m.

Weather: Wet, Windy Start to Working Week

The National Weather Service forecasts up to an inch of rain for today and more by tonight. Wind gusts could reach over 35-miles-per-hour. Tuesday is expected to be rainy as well.

Hometown Weather: Spring Snows

A lake-effect snow warning remains in effect through 8 a.m. for southern Erie, Wyoming Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. Those southern areas could wind up with another three-to-five inches by the time it expires. Yesterday, some areas of Chautauqua County reported nearly six inches of snow. The National Weather Service says snow in April is not all that unusual. Average snowfall for the month is three-point-six inches.

Hometown News: Winter Weather Alert

The calendar says Spring but it looks like anything but here in Western New York. We're expected to get another couple inches of snow in the Metro today. The southern portions of Erie County as well as Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties should see two-to-four inches while the rest of the region will see an additional one to three inches. This comes on top of what we got hit with last night. By the time it's all said and done, some areas could see ten inches of the white stuff. In the month of March we only saw a half-inch of snow and it looks like Old Man Winter is giving us some payback.

Hometown News: WNY Flooding

Soaking rains have caused the level of several creeks across the region to rise.Low-lying areas, including a few roads in Chautauqua County, have flooded. In Niagara County, the level of Tonawanda Creek at Rapids was especially high, causing many backyards along the creek to flood. Authorities are reminding residents not to drive through high water, saying if people don't know their way around, they could end up in the drink. Officials say sandbags are available in case area homes flood.

Hometown News: Flood Concerns Remain

Flood watchers remain remained focused on local creeks and streams as the water levels may continue to rise. Another round of steady rain is expected from this afternoon through Wednesday. A Flood Warning remains in effect for Tonawanda Creek in N. Erie & S. Niagara counties today through Wednesday. And A Flood Watch is now in effect for all of WNY from this afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

Hometown News: Flood Warnings

Flood warnings remains in effect through this afternoon for much of Western New York. the region saw a record amount of rainfall on Saturday. Nearly an inch-and-a-half of rain came down. Scattered showers are expected to taper off this afternoon. A Flood Warning is in effect for Ellicott Creek through this evening. A Flood Warning is in effect for Tonawanda Creek through Tuesday. And a Flood Warning in effect for the Allegheny River through this evening.

HTN: Big Storm Socks Eastern Seaboard

After starting in the Southeast over the weekend, a big winter storm is moving slowly up the east coast. More than 900 flights have been canceled at New York City's three regional airports, and passenger and being delayed here at Buffalo Niagara International. The Eastern Seaboard is digging out. Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency spokesman Steve Kass says most schools and many businesses are closed today, making it easier for plows

Hometown News: Power Outages

24 hours of rapidly changing weather has led to tens of thousands of power outages and school closings this morning. Here are the latest power numbers: National Grid estimates 15,000 without power in Erie County, 3,800 in Chautauqua County, 3,800 in Cattaraugus County, 493 in Allegany County, and 2,800 in Genesee County. NYSEG reports around 28,000 customers without power scattered throughout Western New York. A large concentration appears to be in the Losson Road section of Cheektowaga.

Hometown News: Warm Weather, but Wind and Flood Threats

The warmer weather is a nice break from the bitter cold, but it also could melt the snow fast enough to cause some flooding. A flash-flood watch is still in effect for the Cazenovia, Buffalo and Cayuga Creeks through Thursday morning. Forecasters predict some rain will enter the area over the next few days which could make the problem worse. On Sunday, some homes in Elma were flooded out afcter an ice jam backed up the nearby creek.

HTN: Fridid Winter Breaks Water Mains

Water main breaks were up 55-percent in January compared to the same time last year. Crews made 31 repairs last month, when they only made 20 in January 2008. The weather and the freeze-thaw cycle, which causes the ground to "heave," are being blamed. Buffalo has a 900-mile labyrinth of underground pipes, most of which were installed between 1880 and 1890, or from 1920 to 1930. Some lines even go back as far as the mid-1800s.

Weather Alert: Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch in in effect through this afternoon for Northern Erie County, including Cazenovia Creek in West Seneca, Buffalo Creek in Elma, and Cayuga Creek in Lancaster.

Hometown News: Groundhog Day

It's Groundhog Day, the day when Punxsutawney Phil predicts whether we'll see an early spring or whether winter hangs on for another six weeks. This morning the groundhog emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow scaring him back inside where, tradition says, he'll stay to await warmer weather.

Hometown News: Snowfall Above Average

Snow accumulations so far this winter are well above average, with over 80-inches of total snowfall. The average at this time of year is 59-inches. The city of Buffalo has engaged its revised snow removal plan in order to keep roads as clear as possible. The city has requested more money to buy additional salt, and Erie County is anticipating a much higher usage than the 50-thousand tons it averages in a season. There should be enough money and salt to cover the rest of the season, according to officials at the New York State Department of Transportation.

GMB: Blizzard Memories

Veteran Newsman Ray Marks remembers coverage of the Blizzard of '77, 32 years ago today.

Weather Alert: Winter Storm Warning

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for all of Western New York, through 11 p.m. Total accumulation of six to 12 inches is expected. The snow made for a messy commute this morning, with numerous spinouts, and major routes under speed.

HTN: Sidewalk Safety

Local business leaders say the cold is no excuse to overlook sidewalk safety. A city ordinance states businesses must have snow cleared by 9 a.m. after a snowfall. A warning is generally issued after a first offence, but multiple offenses can result in fines between 53 and 150 dollars.

HTN: Perry's & Wegman's Issue Peanut Butter Recall

Wegman's and Perry's have issued a voluntary joint recall of all ice cream flavors containing peanut butter because of a salmonella outbreak. Health officials are discouraging people from eating foods containing peanut butter, including cookies, cakes, and ice cream. until an exact source for the salmonella is determined. Jars of peanut butter have been ruled safe. Kellogg's and Little Debbie peanut butter crackers are also on a voluntary recall. Wegman's spokesperson Anne McCarthy is directing shoppers to the grocer's website to see the list of affected products.

Hometown News: City's New Snow Plan Previewed

Mayor Brown unveiled a new snowplowing plan for the city this morning:

(Reasons for Changes)

Elements of the plan include a GPS pilot program on a few city vehicles, changes in alternate parking schedules on some streets, and hiring of private contractors when needed.

Hometown News: Warming Centers Open in City

Buffalo residents can escape the grips of Old Man Winter by stopping into one of the warming centers the city has opened. Mayor Byron Brown says that two facilities will be available through Saturday for homeless residents or those who have lost heat. Folks can go to the True Bethel Baptist Church on East Ferry Street or the Belle Center on Maryland Street. Both sites will be open until Saturday at 4 p.m.