UPDATED: Winter Storm Press Release
UPDATED:
JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM
DUNKIRK FIRE DEPARTMENT, DUNKIRK POLICE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Dunkirk Pier and Point Gratiot are now closed.
There is a significant winter storm forecast to hit our area beginning early Friday morning and last through Christmas.
The following is being forecast:
Lake shore flood warning: Significant Lakeshore flooding is imminent. Lake Erie will rapidly rise at least 11 feet. This is 3 feet above flood plain. Along with the rise in water there will be on shore waves up to 15 feet. Any residents that live along the lakeshore should keep a close watch of the rapidly rising water. Those who are prone to flooding should consider evacuating prior to the storm.
Winter Storm Warning: There will be extremally high winds gusting up to 70 MPH during the storm. This will potentially bring down trees and power lines. The forecast calls for up to 2ft of snow through Christmas day. Snow along with high winds will produce blizzard or near blizzard conditions.
Wind Chill: Temperatures are suppose to drop into the teens with wind chill as low as -15 degrees. Exposure to this wind chill can rapidly cause frostbite and hypothermia.
Tips on staying safe during this storm
Make sure your electronic devices are charged and you have batteries for flashlights.
Avoid using candles if possible and use extreme caution if you do.
Consider staying off the roads. Travel will be hazardous or nearly impossible at times. Completely avoid the lakefront area.
Do not drive through standing water.
If you live in a flood prone area, consider evacuation.
Avoid downed trees and power lines.
Keep your furnace exhaust clear of snow.
Make sure your smoke and CO alarms are in working order.
Run generators outdoors only with the exhaust pointed away from doors and windows.
Alternate parking will be strictly enforced to allow for snow removal and emergency access.
You can sign up to get e-alerts by going to the city website cityofdunkirk.com and alert.ny.gov
Forecasters are predicting a ” generational ” storm with significant impact to our community. Please take it seriously and get prepared. If you need assistance and it is not an emergency you can contact the Police at 716-366-2266 or Fire at 716-366-2577. For any emergency dial 911
12/21/22 Release:
In anticipation of the extreme high winds and winter weather event scheduled for this upcoming Christmas weekend, Mayor Rosas, the City’s Police & Fire Department as well as the Department of Public Works would like to announce the following:
The City Pier as well as Point Gratiot will be closing at 1PM on Thursday, December 22nd in anticipation of the storm. Lakefront Blvd will remain closed and residents are reminded to please not go around any barricades that have been put in place for their safety.
Please remember to move vehicles at 5:00 PM as per alternate parking regulations. We ask that you do not move any earlier or later than this time so City plow trucks can properly clear streets for First Responders. Violators will be ticketed/towed if they are not in compliance.
Please be patient as our Crews go through the City and collect the debris and clear snow in the days following this storm.
If you see something that requires immediate attention or is a matter of public safety, please call the Dunkirk Police Department at 716-366-2266.
Residents are urged to sign up with E-Notify on the City of Dunkirk’s website at www.cityofdunkirk.com for this as well as any future alerts.