UPDATE: Saturday, Jan. 10 10:20 a.m.
The New York State Thruway has been reopened to traffic both ways. Only Exit 55 remains closed.
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Winter weather hammering western New York State late last night and early this morning has slackened in the Buffalo area, but is now causing problems in areas south of the city and throughout the western part of the state.
As a result, a portion of the New York State Thruway, and other nearby highways, have reopened for what is being called “for essential travel purposes only, such as removing cars from the roads, delivering medication or health care, providing food to grocery stores, and to enable snow removal equipment to do its job.”
The following roads were to open at 1 p.m:
• The Thruway (I-90) in both directions between exits 46 (Rochester) and 53 (Interstate-190).
• I-190 in both directions with the exception of exit 7 (Route 5/Skyway)
• I-290 ramps
• Route 5 eastbound between Ridge Road and I-190
But other roads remain closed:
• The Thruway in both directions between I-190 to Ripley, on the Pennsylvania state line.
• I-190 southbound ramp to westbound I-90
• US Route 219 (Southern Expressway) north and southbound between I-90 and Route 39
• Route 400 (Aurora Expressway) north and southbound between I-90 and Route 16
• Route 5 westbound between I-190 and Ridge Road
“With more snow expected later this afternoon and this evening, drivers should be prepared for roads in affected areas to be closed later in the day and plan accordingly.” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in a statement.