The lake effect snow warning for Monroe and some nearby counties was canceled by the National Weather Service early Friday morning. But the dig-out continues after a lake effect scenario that caused numerous travel issues throughout the region.
Traffic was very slow in both the morning and evening commutes on Thursday, with bands of lake effect snow hitting the Rochester metro at the worst possible times for traveling. There were numerous accidents, and vehicles off the roads.
Snowfall totals varied widely, with some of the heavier amounts to the north and east of Rochester. Areas in the city saw several inches of snow, while parts of Irondequoit saw about a foot of snow.
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo and Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn had issued an advisory about no unnecessary travel from late Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening.
There was also advice about unnecessary travel in Wayne County because of a blizzard warning, but that warning by the National Weather Service was canceled late Thursday night.
And a number of flights were canceled at the Greater Rochester International Airport. Some flights were still being impacted Friday morning, which is not unusual, since weather issues across the country can often leave planes and crews out of place in terms of being ready for scheduled flights. If you are planning on flying, officials say always check ahead with your airline.
On Thursday a small plane veered off a taxiway, but the Airport Director Mike Giardino told WXXI News it appears that was mostly a case of the pilot being disoriented on where he was heading, rather than the plane skidding due to any icy condition. There were no injuries among the three people on the aircraft and no major damage.
