We knew that a snowstorm was coming last December and we knew that it would be one for the record books.
Days before it hit, the National Weather Service called it a “once-in-a-generation event.”
But as the blizzard blasted Western New York over three days with heavy lake-effect snow, hurricane-force winds and below-freezing temperatures, it became clear that the region was not prepared.
Hundreds of motorists got stuck as the snow quickly piled up. Tens of thousands lost power in their homes. Forty-seven people lost their lives, many of them trapped outside or in their vehicles.
Extreme weather events fueled by climate change are becoming more frequent, so it’s reasonable to wonder if it will happen again – maybe even this winter.
Our region’s leaders have said they are preparing for whatever nature throws our way.
The Buffalo News has set out to find out if that is true. Over the next several weeks, you’ll see stories that dig deep into what our government leaders, institutions and businesses are doing in preparation for the next big storm.
We want to hear from you, too. What did you learn from the blizzard? What do you want our leaders to do to make sure we are safe?
Through our stories, we will answer the key question: Are we ready?
Creating an emergency shelter plan between the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Schools is a complicated task, but the nine-month process – which is not over yet – has also…
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