There is currently a travel advisory, not a full travel ban , in Buffalo and the rest of Erie County due to a major winter storm and dangerous driving conditions. Specific roads like the Buffalo Skyway are closed, and officials are strongly urging people to avoid non‑essential travel.

Quick Scoop

  • Erie County has issued a countywide travel advisory , meaning travel is strongly discouraged but not legally prohibited for most drivers.
  • Some major routes and structures, such as the Buffalo Skyway (Route 5) , are closed because of high winds and hazardous conditions.
  • New York State has a broader state of emergency in place for this storm, which highlights how serious the conditions are across Western New York.

What this means for you

  • You are generally allowed to drive, but local officials are asking people to stay off the roads unless travel is essential (work, medical, etc.).
  • If you must go out, you should:
    • Allow extra time and expect whiteout or near‑whiteout conditions.
* Make sure your vehicle has winter tires and a basic winter survival kit (blanket, flashlight, snacks, charger, etc.).

Roads and closures around Buffalo

  • Erie County’s advisory covers Buffalo and surrounding communities , reflecting blowing snow, high winds, and poor visibility across the region.
  • The Buffalo Skyway (Route 5 between I‑190 and NY‑179) is closed due to high winds, and some local state routes are also temporarily shut down because of flooding or storm damage.

Why people are asking “Is there a travel ban in Buffalo NY?”

  • Western New York has seen several high‑profile travel bans in recent years, so residents watch closely for new restrictions during big lake‑effect storms.
  • Current chatter online is mostly about the winter storm, the advisory, and memories of previous bans, which is why the phrase “travel ban Buffalo” is trending again.

How to double‑check before you head out

  • Conditions and rules can change quickly in this kind of storm. Local authorities may upgrade from an advisory to more serious restrictions if things worsen.
  • Before driving, check:
    • Erie County or City of Buffalo official channels for any new travel bans or curfews.
    • The New York State Thruway and 511NY sites for real‑time closures and road conditions around the Buffalo region.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.