BREAKING TRAVEL ALERT: Heavy snow shuts down NYS Thruway westbound near Dunkirk

BREAKING TRAVEL ALERT: Heavy snow shuts down NYS Thruway westbound near Dunkirk
Snow plow clearing streets during a blizzard - Photo by Steve Vanhorn

DUNKIRK, N.Y. — The New York State Thruway has been closed westbound at Exit 59 in Dunkirk due to a series of crashes in Pennsylvania caused by heavy snowfall, state police announced Friday.

The closure impacts all westbound traffic, requiring drivers to exit the highway at Dunkirk and seek alternate routes. Officials cited hazardous driving conditions as snow continues to fall across the region.

Pennsylvania authorities are addressing the accidents on their side of the state line, but there has been no immediate word on when the highway might reopen.

“Heavy snow is making travel dangerous, and drivers are urged to exercise caution,” the New York State Police wrote in a statement on social media, reiterating the ongoing challenges posed by the weather.

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Traffic delays and detours are expected as authorities work to clear the roadway.