“Due to the winter weather conditions of combined snow, wind and cold temperatures the city of Dunkirk Police Department reminds residents and motorists to please be very careful if you have to travel or be outside,” Police Chief Dave Ortolano said Wednesday. “Snow and wind can create whiteout conditions on the roadways. The cold temperatures and wind chill can create dangerous health issues if your vehicle gets stuck or you are outside for an extended period of time.”

According to the National Weather Service, a wind chill warning remained in effect until 6 p.m. today. In Buffalo, snow totals by Wednesday morning reached one foot, while to the south towns — and our region — there was only blowing snow.

As an example, Kenmore had 15.7 inches while Fredonia only received 0.6 inches by Thursday morning.

In the meantime, police advised against traveling, but if traveling was necessary Ortolano reminded motorists to be careful. “If you must travel make sure you have a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone and warm clothing,” he said. “Please pay attention to the changing weather and road conditions. Plan extra time, clear snow from your vehicle, slow down, wear your seat belt and leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the roadway. If you have to be outside limit that time and dress in warm layers with hat and gloves. Please make sure your pets are inside during these extreme conditions.”

OBSERVER Photo Motorists make their way along Central Avenue near the county fairgounds.

White-out conditions were evident in Dunkirk during the most of Wednesday afternoon as wind gusts hit 47 mph near the city and 45 mph in Fredonia.

New York State Police will be out checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible. They remind individuals to keep the following in mind as this storm persists:

¯ Always clean your windows and mirrors fully of any snow and ice before driving.

¯ Keep a full tank of gas.

¯ Keep windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze levels sufficient.

OBSERVER Photo A picture of the School 3 playground.

¯ Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.

¯ Brake early.

¯ Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.

¯ Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.

¯ If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then don’t.

OBSERVER Photo Shown are trucks that cannot drive on the Thruway due to the ban on tractor-trailers.

¯ Keep gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc.

¯ If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. Do not exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency. You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.

¯ Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

¯ If you should become stranded on the Thruway or any road, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quick as possible.

Temperatures are forecast to continue to drop today as the day goes on, but should start to stabilize once more come Friday. This weekend, a melt is possible as Sunday highs may hit 40 degrees.

OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek The docks to the west of the pier are starting to come apart due to the ice in the harbor.

OBSERVER Photo by J.M. Lesinski Above is the Dunkirk water plant.

OBSERVER Photo by MJ Stafford Shown is a rollover in Dunkirk. Around 3 p.m. Danielle E. Gee, 25, of Dunkirk, was stuck in her vehicle. Deputies assisted Gee in exiting her vehicle. Through a brief investigation it was determined that Gee was headed east bound on Route 5 when she lost control of her vehicle causing it to roll onto its side. Gee was transported by Alstar for non life threatening injuries.

OBSERVER Photo by J.M. Lesinski Ice has begun to build up on Lake Erie after near-zero temperatures and -25 wind chills late Tuesday and Wednesday.