The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties until 4 a.m. Saturday. The weather service is warning that Chautauqua County could see between 10 to 18 inches of snow by Saturday. Additionally, the area could be pelted with winds gust as high as 40 mph, producing considerable blowing and drifting snow -making driving conditions hazardous.

On the heels of Monday’s storm, which forced the closure of several area schools, and out of an abundance of caution, the following school districts, organizations and agencies were closed on Thursday: Bemus Point Central School, Brocton Central school, Cassadaga Valley Central School, Chautauqua Christian Academy, Chautauqua Lake Central School, Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center- Mayville, Clymer Central School, Dunkirk City School, District, Erie 2 BOCES – Hewes Educational Center in Asheville and LoGuidice Educational Center Fredonia, Falconer Central School, Forestville Central School,Fredonia Central School, Frewsburg Central school, Jamestown Boys and Girls Club, Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus, Dunkirk, and Jamestown Campuses, Jamestown Public Schools, Panama Centra School, Pine Valley Central School, Randolph Academy, Randolph Central School, Ripley Central School, Sherman Central School, Silver Creek Central, Southwestern Central School, Town of Arkwright Court and Westfield Central School.

Law enforcement officials reported that Interstate-86 East was closed at Exit 13 (Route 394) to Exit 14 (Route 62) in Ellicott because of a vehicle crash, and that Exit 13 was also closed because of a tractor trailer jack-knife accident.

The Jamestown area is expected to receive up to two more inches by Friday, with temperatures dropping down to 19 degrees.

Snowplows appear to be keeping up with the main roads in Jamestown Thursday. However, more snow is expected to fall and wind gusts are expected to reach 40 mph by Friday. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Lake Effects Snow Warning for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties until 4 a.m. Saturday. P-J photo by Chirstopher Blakeslee

According to ny.gov/winter-safety-tips, the following should be considered when driving in inclement weather.

SAFE DRIVING

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents.

When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.

Keep vehicles clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.

Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert. Remember, snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

TRAVELING TIPS

Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations; never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered; assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces; be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to see but makes conditions slippery when pavement temperatures are below freezing; have a cell phone handy and charged; equip your car with emergency supplies; inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival; keep calm and do not panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or if you become snowbound and keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.

TRAPPED IN A CAR

Stay in your car and wait for help to find you; run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm. Keep your down-wind window open and make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow; turn on the dome light at night when you are running the engine to signal rescuers; hang a brightly colored piece of cloth or piece of clothing from your car and exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.