Severe winter weather is hitting parts of Western and Central New York today, namely the Buffalo and Watertown regions.

AAA Orchard Park and Watertown offices are closed today while AAA crews have been busy responding to road service calls amid wintry conditions. 

AAA sent extra crews from Central New York to the Buffalo area ahead of the storm to assist. The additional vehicles deployed to Buffalo are specifically designed to rescue stranded motorists on the roadside in wintry conditions. Even with the additional resources, response has been hampered in some situations as drivers navigate snowy roads.

AAA is reminding all motorists to adhere to any travel bans or advisories that may be in effect. The fewer vehicles on the roads, the easier it is for plows to clear snow and for tow trucks to respond to those in need.

More than half of the requests to AAA Western and Central New York today have been for cars off the road or stuck in heavy snow requiring a winch to extricate the vehicle – those calls are up 151% today in the Buffalo metro region compared to an average early winter day.

More requests are coming in from motorists who are stuck in their own driveways in heavy snow. AAA reminds everyone that their driveway, street, and vehicle must be cleared of snow for a roadside technician to provide service. AAA is prioritizing calls and is asking those safe at home to please be patient while crews respond to stranded motorists. Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911.

A Digital Roadside Request is the fastest way to request service. Simply go to www.AAA.com/RoadService or download the AAA Mobile App. To place a phone call, dial 1-800-AAA-HELP.

AAA Insurance is reminding homeowners to clear furnace and water heater vents are clear of snow and to use caution while shoveling heavy snow.