Orchard Park, NY, faced significant travel disruptions as a severe lake effect snowstorm blanketed the region. Early Thursday morning, Chris Kuhnle, the Deputy Highway Superintendent for the Town of Orchard Park, began his day at 2 a.m., tackling the aftermath of over two feet of snow that had accumulated since the early hours. His dedication underscores the commitment of Orchard Park’s highway department to ensure resident safety and road accessibility amidst challenging weather conditions.
Kuhnle emphasized the importance of his team’s role, stating, “It’s my job and responsibility for the position I’m in to make sure roads are good to go. I leave when I’m comfortable knowing the roads are all set.” This statement highlights the proactive approach taken by the department to manage the impact of heavy snowfall on the town’s infrastructure.
The scale of the operation is substantial. “The town highway department plows 120 miles of road every time it snows,” Kuhnle explained. Under normal circumstances, a complete circuit of these roads takes approximately four hours. However, the intensity of Thursday’s snowstorm, characterized by blowing snow and reduced visibility, extended this duration to seven or eight hours. These challenging conditions demanded extra caution and time from the plow drivers to maintain road safety.
Kuhnle, a seasoned professional with 11 years of experience operating plows, expressed his passion for his work, stating that he “loves it.” His enthusiasm was evident as he navigated the snow-covered roads. A local reporter from 7 News, Michael Schwartz, joined Kuhnle in his plow truck, gaining firsthand experience as the “plow wingman” and witnessing the highway department’s efforts to combat the snowstorm.
By 1 p.m. on Thursday, while road conditions had improved noticeably due to the relentless work of Kuhnle and his team, the travel ban in Orchard Park remained in effect. The severity of the snowfall also led to the cancellation of the Buffalo Bills practice scheduled for Thursday, demonstrating the widespread impact of the weather event on daily life and activities in the region.
Despite Abbott Road, near the Bills’ stadium, being a county road and therefore outside of their direct responsibility, the Orchard Park highway department remains actively involved in preparation for game days. Kuhnle’s concluding remark, “This is how it is plowing the roads in Bills country,” encapsulates the unique challenges and community spirit associated with managing snow removal in a region renowned for its passionate football fanbase and frequent winter storms. The Orchard Park Travel Ban served as a necessary measure to ensure public safety during this significant weather event, while dedicated crews worked tirelessly to restore normalcy.
