The winter storm impacting the Buffalo region has turned into an emergency situation for several motorists.

AAA is aware of dozens of people stranded in their vehicles – many are on Routes 400 and 219 while some are on side streets in South Buffalo and the Southtowns.

In many cases, police are turning AAA trucks away for safety reasons to avoid more gridlock. Anyone stranded in a vehicle should call 9-1-1 immediately. AAA is reaching out to each motorist who placed a road service call and is notifying area police agencies of their whereabouts.

AAA is working with Erie County Emergency Services to rescue motorists as crews clear roads. 

AAA urges all Erie County residents within designated driving ban areas to stay home and avoid driving – most of the stranded motorists are within driving ban areas. Even when tow trucks have been able to get a vehicle back on the road, the vehicles often get stuck again in treacherous conditions.

For safety reasons, motorists are advised to stay in their vehicles, call 9-1-1, and only exit to verify that the tailpipe is free of snow.

AAA is temporarily suspending at-home service in those heavily impacted areas as trucks are unable to gain access. Again, anyone stranded on the roadside should call 9-1-1 immediately.

AAA offices will be closed on Saturday (Orchard Park, KenTon, Amherst). AAA Driver Training programs in Amherst are canceled this weekend.