Winter Storm Shuts Down I 90 And Schools Across Western New York

Western New York found itself at the epicenter of a powerful winter storm on January 15, 2026, bringing widespread disruption, dazzling snow totals, and a surge of community action. From closed highways and shuttered schools to snowmobile trails buzzing with anticipation, the region experienced the full force—and spirit—of a classic Northeast winter event.

As dawn broke on Thursday, residents across Western New York awoke to a landscape transformed by heavy snowfall and biting cold. According to WKBW, dozens of school districts announced closures, with a winter storm warning in effect for Northern Erie, Niagara, and Orleans counties until 7 PM. The warning extended for Southern Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany, and Wyoming counties until 1 AM Friday, underscoring the storm’s broad reach.

The impact was immediate and far-reaching. Local news teams tracked hazardous conditions during the early morning commute, with meteorologist Aaron Mentkowski monitoring the storm’s progress closely. For many families, the day began with the challenge of navigating snowbound streets—or simply staying home altogether as schools and businesses closed their doors.

By midmorning, the National Weather Service had released a detailed list of 24-hour snow totals, painting a vivid picture of the storm’s intensity. Some communities saw snow pile up at remarkable rates: Colden reported a staggering 13.7 inches, Glenwood came in at 10.2 inches, Eden at 10.1 inches, Boston at 10 inches, and Angola at 9.9 inches. Even the Buffalo Airport, typically more sheltered, recorded 4.5 inches. Most areas received around half a foot, but in certain pockets, the snowdrifts were well over a foot deep.

Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties all reported significant accumulations. According to the National Weather Service’s early morning update, places like Fredonia, Cassadaga, and Mayville each saw between five and six inches, while communities such as West Seneca, Hamburg, and Tonawanda were blanketed with seven to nine inches. These numbers, while impressive, only told part of the story—what really mattered was the immediate effect on daily life.

Travel quickly became treacherous. As reported by NITTECH and local outlets, two major accidents forced the closure of I-90 westbound, one of the region’s most critical highways. The first closure, from Exit 57 (Route 75) to Exit 58 (Route 5/20) in Hamburg, was reported at 1:30 pm and updated at 2:34 pm. A second closure at Exit 61 (Shortman Rd) in Ripley followed shortly after, reported at 2:12 pm and updated at 2:28 pm. Officials attributed these incidents directly to the hazardous conditions created by the storm, which left roads slick, visibility poor, and drivers on edge.

Winter’s grip extended well beyond New York’s borders. Environment Canada issued a Yellow-level alert overnight for a swath of Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Hamilton, and the eastern Niagara Peninsula. By late morning, the warning escalated to Orange, with snowfall projections between 20 and 35 centimeters—roughly eight to fourteen inches. Schools throughout the District School Board of Niagara’s territory closed their doors, and forecasters warned that commute-time traffic would likely grind to a halt.

For many, the storm was a test of resilience and adaptability. Parents scrambled to arrange last-minute childcare, workers juggled remote assignments, and first responders braved the elements to keep communities safe. Yet, amid the disruption, there were flashes of excitement—especially among Western New York’s snowmobile community.

With fresh powder and cold temperatures settling in, snowmobile owners were abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming weekend. According to Townsquare Media, several snowmobile clubs began cautiously opening their trails as of late Thursday night into Friday morning. But conditions were far from perfect. Downed trees, broken limbs, and storm debris—left behind by high winds and soggy ground—blocked many routes, presenting fresh challenges for both riders and volunteers.

Local clubs and dedicated volunteers sprang into action, working tirelessly to clear trails and ensure safe passage for the region’s snowmobilers. The Holland Sno-Rascals club, for example, announced their trails were open but urged riders to exercise caution and even suggested bringing a saw to help clear fallen debris. “Holland Trails are Open, neighboring clubs are not as of this moment so respect them and know where you are riding. We anticipate trees down from all the wind. Use caution or better yet, grab a saw,” the club posted, reflecting the community’s spirit of cooperation.

Staying on marked trails and respecting landowner guidelines became a rallying cry, as venturing off-trail could jeopardize future access. The Shawnee Sno-Chiefs highlighted a unique challenge: “In some field areas there is 6 inches of soft dirt. Problem is we would do crop damage if we try to pack it down. We need to let mother nature give us some cold temperatures and try to freeze up the ground. We will check again Friday and give an update. Do your snow dance and cold weather dance tonight.”

As the weekend approached, optimism grew that continued cold weather and additional snowfall would further improve trail conditions. Niagara County, which received substantial snow, was hopeful its trail systems would be ready for eager riders. For those considering a trip north, the Tug Hill region was already reporting favorable conditions, making it a popular destination for early-season snowmobiling. Clubs encouraged riders to check social media for real-time updates, as conditions could shift quickly with each passing hour.

Meanwhile, the region’s sense of community shone as brightly as the fresh snow. Volunteers—often unsung heroes—were praised for their relentless efforts to clear trails and keep routes accessible. Their work, often done in harsh conditions, made it possible for others to enjoy the winter wonderland safely and responsibly.

Still, the storm’s aftermath was a reminder of winter’s double-edged sword. On one hand, it brought beauty, excitement, and a chance to embrace the outdoors. On the other, it disrupted daily routines, tested infrastructure, and demanded vigilance from all. As Western New York and neighboring Southern Ontario dug out, the region’s resilience and camaraderie were on full display, turning a challenging week into a testament to collective spirit and adaptability.

With more snow and cold temperatures in the forecast, residents, commuters, and snowmobile enthusiasts alike are keeping a close eye on updates—and perhaps hoping for a little less drama in the days ahead. For now, Western New York can take pride in weathering another fierce winter storm, together.