Erie County anchored by Buffalo on Lake Erie faces moderate tornado risk and extreme lake-effect snow and storms. Buffalo is famous for some of the most extreme lake-effect snowfall in the United States — the December 2022 blizzard killed 47 people trapped people in vehicles and stranded residents for days in one of the deadliest winter storms in decades. The Niagara River at the county's western edge and the Niagara Power Plant create additional emergency planning considerations.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Identify an interior room or storm shelter.
- Monitor NOAA weather alerts continuously.
- Keep emergency kit accessible at all times.
- Prepare for sudden power outages.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Tornado / Extreme Winter Storm |
| Secondary Hazard | Lake Erie Storm |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Moderate |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 8 |
| Last Major Event | 2022 Blizzard 47 Deaths |
| Event Frequency | Annual |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (716) 858-6000 |
| Emergency Shelters | 22 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-90 I-190 US-20 NY-5 |
// County Profile
| County | Erie County NY |
| State | New York (NY) |
| Population | 920 |
| Area | 571 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Moderate |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other New York Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.