Travel warnings remain in effect as storm of the year wallops Finger Lakes

The region's most intense snowstorm of 2017 isn't even over yet, but Winter Storm Stella has already left its mark.

The heaviest snow in the Finger Lakes began falling Tuesday afternoon and continued almost nonstop overnight and into Wednesday morning, leaving many roads unpassable, schools closed and meetings and sporting events canceled. Snow was expected to continue to fall throughout the day Wednesday with wind gusts as high as 40 mph.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for all of New York and said the state's response included 5,000 plows, trucks and other equipment and 2,000 National Guard personnel.

The Winter Storm Warning issued for the Finger Lakes remains in effect until 8 p.m. today. Sheriffs in Ontario, Wayne, Yates and Seneca counties all have issued travel advisories and are urging extreme caution.

Drew Montreuil, who writes a weekly weather column for the Times, wrote in a blog on his website, flxweather.com, that though the snow will be subsiding on Wednesday, the winds will pick up, gusting in spots to over 40 mph and leading to significant drifting with some near whiteout conditions locally.

"Please stay safe and be smart," Montreuil said. "A State of Emergency ... does not mean that the roads are closed but opens channels of funding to cope with the storm. Still, if you can avoid going out, please do so. The fewer cars that are on the road, the easier a time the road crews and emergency vehicles will have."

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross issued the following tips for remaining safe during a major winter storm:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information on snow storms and blizzards from the National Weather Service.

• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

• Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

• Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.

• If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

• Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.

• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.

• Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

The USDA also released food safety tips for dealing with winter storms:

• During a snowstorm, do not place perishable food out in the snow. Outside temperatures can vary and food can be exposed to unsanitary conditions and animals. Instead, make ice by filling buckets or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. Use this ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator or coolers.

• If the power goes out:

— Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours.

— Place meat and poultry to one side of the freezer or on a tray to prevent cross contamination of thawing juices.

• Steps to follow after a weather emergency:

— Check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40 degrees for two hours or more.

— Check each item separately. Throw out any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture or feels warm to the touch.

— Check frozen food for ice crystals. The food in your freezer that partially or completely thawed may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40 or below.

— Never taste a food to decide if it's safe.

— When in doubt, throw it out.

Source: Travel warnings remain in effect as storm of the year wallops Finger Lakes