🌱 Signs of Progress + Storm Fatality + Driving Bans/Travel Advisories

Hello again, friends! The past few days were company holidays, but we have a lot of news to catch up on. I hope you and all your loved ones are staying safe are in this blizzard. Thankfully, I am with power and wifi to write you from. Today I have...

• Lots of details on the Blizzard of 2022
• Some virtual events for tomorrow, if we're still snowed in
• Social media pictures of the snow

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and milder. High: 39. Low: 35.

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Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. As we reach the sixth day of the blizzard, signs of progress are finally being seen. Grocery stores and some thruways have opened and some metro lines resumed yesterday. That said, the death toll is now at 33 and 3,900 households remain without power in Erie County. With warmer temperatures approaching and the precipitation changing to rain, officials have expressed concerns over flooding. Read more at The Buffalo News.
2. This storm has produced more fatality than may be expected for a city so familiar with snow. Some are theorizing there could be a connection between the two, as people were not afraid to go out on Friday morning and ended up stuck in cars. Another reason is that the travel ban, which was enacted at 9 A.M. on Friday, could have gone into affect too late as many were already at work or on the roads. Learn more about how this storm got so bad at The Washington Post.
3. While parts of Erie County, outside of the city, moved into travel advisories yesterday, many cars ended up stuck in places AAA could not yet reach. Once there is access via the I-90, Syracuse crews plan to come in and help with abandoned and stuck cars. AAA advises people to avoid nonessential travel even when bans move into advisories. Visit WIVB 4 for more information.
4. Over the weekend, parents in the University District gave birth to their first-born through the help of two doulas on a Facebook video chat. When contractions started on Friday night, it was too late for emergency vehicles to reach the couple and take them to the hospital. The baby was born healthy and a few hours later another community member took them to Children's Hospital in his truck. Read the heartwarming story at The Buffalo News.
5. Abandoned cars have begun to be towed to multiple locations across the county. Do not search for your car until after the storm has subsided. If you have lost your car in the blizzard, you can visit the full list of locations at WIVB 4.

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Today in Buffalo:

As locations begin to open up to those within walking distance, please continue to abide with driving bans and travel advisories to keep the community safe.

• Awakening Yoga: Free Weekly Class! Online via Soul Dimension, 10:30 A.M.
• Pranayama: Free Weekly Class! Online via Soul Dimension, 1:00 P.M.
• Tone & Sculpt Workshop! Online via Studio Sophia, 4:15 P.M.
• What Tech Career is Right for Me? Online via Thinkful Webinar, 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Merry Christmas from the Martin House: "While this powerful blizzard will keep many Buffalonians separated from extended family and loved ones this Christmas, we’re wishing you safety, peace and joy this holiday. Merry Christmas!" (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• Zoo Employees Shoveling: "What a week it has been! We'd just like to update everyone on the current state of the Buffalo Zoo. All animals are safe and accounted for and doing well." (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• Shelter Dog at a Foster Home for the Holidays: "Lucky little Clementine 🍊 was chosen to spend Christmas 🎄 in a foster home!" (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Snow Taller Than The Dog or Kid: "BLIZZARD DIARIES: A brief clearing ☃️ #dogsofbuffalo #blizzard #christmasblizzard #blizzarddiaries #buffaloweather #blizzardof22 #dogsinthesnow #dogswatchingthesnow #blizzardwatch #safeandwarm" (Dogs Of Buffalo via Instagram)
• History Museum Buried: "STORM UPDATE: Our thoughts are with everyone in our city who has struggled or lost a loved one during this historic and deadly blizzard." (The Buffalo History Museum via Instagram)

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Announcements:

• NCNW, New York State, is gearing up for the 49th Bethune-Height Recognition Program. (Details)
• Add your announcement

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. Please continue to stay safe and informed throughout the day, and lend help to those who need it most.