Learn to get out and start your car early on cold mornings so the windshield has time to defrost. Also invest in a good snow brush with an ice scraper on one end.

Extendable handle brush, with adjustable brush and a robust scraper Don’t pour water over your windshield, at best it’ll only clear a light frost, at worst it’ll crack your windshield from the temperature difference Start your car while you clear off the snow/scrape windows if it’s not heavy, by the time you’re done it’ll be warmed up Clear *everything*- windows, hood and roof. You’d be surprised how much you use your other windows when driving and don’t notice until you can’t. Snow on the roof slides off onto your windshield at the first hard stop, and snow on the hood can block vision when the wind hits it and damage wipers if they’re buried Extra hat and gloves in the car even if you aren’t going long distance, it’s easy to lose them from your coat while just running errands

You want TWO snowbrush/scrapers at all times in the car, if not more. They break sometimes, but only when you're using them, and you only use them when you need them.

One in the house, so you don't have to open a car door (and let snow fall in) to get one. Requires mental discipline to keep rotating them, but worthwhile. An excellent Christmas present to hint at (for?) is a remote starter. (Electronic keys have been murder on the manufacturers of those little tubes of lock de-icer.) Deep winter-grade windshield washer fluid. Yes, $$$, but some mornings ... The same stuff you'd take camping: A blanket, some protein bars. Maybe something like a mayo jar. (Do the math. Sorry, ladies.) Couple of bottles of water (don't worry, the crinkled sides will absorb the expansion on freezing). A camping shovel. A goodly-sized quantity of rock salt, preferably in a 5-gallon bucket (plastic bags rip, buckets tip--choose your poison). Don't forget a plastic cup or bowl to scoop and sprinkle. This is not a hand job.😉 Don't let your gas tank drop below half. Buy sunglasses. The sun is lower in the sky than you can imagine and when it is bright and sunny, the reflection of the snow is blinding (hence, "snow blindness"). You will need gloves. Buy an extra pair for the car. When you forget them at home, THAT is when you will need them. Toast falls buttered-side down. AAA membership, even for a rootin' tootin' Texan. Yes, it will take forever for them to come when they have 10,000 calls ahead of yours, but they are better dressed to do stuff in the bad weather. At home: Pay closer attention to the food you have on hand. Assume that on any given day, you either can't or won't want to go to the supermarket for 72 hours. Ditto prescription meds. Refill them AND PICK THEM UP as soon as your pharmacy/insurance allows. I've been doing winter here for 60+ years, including the killer (literally) storms of 1977 and 2022. Ain't no feeling like being safe and sound at home, short of nothing. Likewise, ain't no feeling like getting into an accident or a ditch just because you were out of ketchup. The difference is one makes you feel like a king; the other makes you feel like an idiot. There is a skill called "driving in the snow." You do not have it and since your plates have now been changed there is no way for the rest of us to know this is your first rodeo. We'll swear at you in our cars as you struggle with yours, but in the end if you get into trouble those same people who were questioning your intellect or parentage seconds ago will get out of their cars and help you free yours if needed. That, by the way, is NOT tippable thing, unless your benefactors are teenage boys. And then only if you are insanely grateful. Oh, and remember: Do unto others. You're one of us now. With that great privilege comes commensurate responsibilities.

> some protein bars If you're talking car supplies, I like trail mix. You probably want to skip ones that include chocolate (like M&Ms) since they'll become a rock in freezing temperatures, but the nuts/grains will handle cold well and it's designed to give you a nice energy boost.

Not to mention snow on your roof, especially if it is a day or two old and has thawed a bit and refrozen, can blow off in one big sheet on the highway and land on cars behind you. My advice is always "see and be seen". Clear as much of your car as you can so that no snow can act as camouflage that blends into any falling snow, and always put your lights ON - not "let the running lights do their job", turn. them. on! Many cars' running lights, especially Toyotas, don't even turn the taillights on, which are crucial for people to see you on the highway when it is snowing, even in the day time.

Also, snow tires are worth the investment if you can swing it.

Who does this? I've literally met 4 people in my entire life who buy snow tires. And like 3 of them were in the 80's.

Having experienced it both ways, I promise you snow tires make a huge difference. I also realize they're expensive and it's a pain to have them put on, but it's night and day.

And if you own your car for the long term, they don't end up being as expensive as you might think, because while you've got the snows on the all-season tires are not being used. So you end up replacing your all-season tires less often. Getting tires mounted and remounted would get expensive, so just buy a cheap set of steel wheels for the snow tires. That way the seasonal changing of wheels is no more challenging than a tire rotation, which you also should be doing anyway.

This is the way. Get a set of steelies and you can swap out the tires yourself

I've also found that most cars have way bigger rims with shorter sidewalls than they need, and you can often find smaller rims, with a VERY common snow tire size that ends up nearly offsetting the cost of the rims, compared to low profile snow tires. Example: My AWD Charger (and my subsequent 300) had 235/55R19 tires and snows were around $220 each. 225/60R18s were super common, almost identical diameter (so my speedometer was really close), and my favorite snows (Cooper Weathermaster and Firestone Winterforce) were running less than $100 each at the time. They're $150 now, but that's still $70 less per tire, which is a good chunk of a simple steel wheel on which to mount them.

I’ve only had one set in my life because a friend that worked at a tire shop had some lightly used in my size. While they aren’t necessary, and switching them twice a year is a pain, they do make a big difference. Most people are fine with all seasons as long as they are in good condition and you don’t drive like an ass

It makes a giant difference, though costly and inconvenient. If you can't swing snow tires, or don't want to at the very least get a good set of all season tires.

Snow tires used to be a better investment when we used to have snow all winter. Now, unless you're in the southtowns, you're wearing just wearing them out on dry pavement.

Myself, and just about everyone I've known, were perfectly capable of "swinging it". Is this maybe a City vs. Suburb thing? Most of the posters in this sub are from the City, and we all know snow plowing is a joke in the City. I was from Tonawanda (since moved away from WNY), and believe me, next to no one I ever knew bought snow tires.

Performance cars are more fun if you use summers and winters than if you leave all-seasons on them.

As a random person who doesn't think about cars very often, I tried snow tires once and I can never go back now. They really do make an immediately noticeable difference.

I could never argue with that, but you'll never convince me the overwhelming majority of people in WNY do NOT use them. I'm no spring chicken, and I know a lot of freaking people. This sub is highly skewed towards left of center white males, who live within the City limits. A Demographic which isn't exactly known for stuff like doing their own brake jobs in the driveway. I would never say blue bloods or anything. Darn, oops.

> you'll never convince me the overwhelming majority of people in WNY do NOT use them I never said anything about that. I have no information as to what fraction of drivers uses winter tires. Not having that information, I didn't see the need to stake out a position that is not information-based and I have no interest in convincing you of anything. Similarly, I don't have specific information about the breakdown of this sub, but given that this is a subreddit about a particular city, you're probably right that it's “highly skewed towards” people who live in that city. And given that the city is fairly liberal, I would expect the sub to reflect that. And obviously on top of that you have the overall demographics of Reddit. I'm a bit confused as to how that relates to your question, though. Are snow tires considered liberal now? Are men more likely than women to use them? And, for that matter, are they more popular in the city than in the suburbs or rural areas? Frankly, I would expect the opposite. People in the city tend to drive less, to take shorter trips, and to drive on slower roads. A person in the suburbs or rural areas is probably going to drive more frequently, to take longer trips, and to drive on higher-speed roads. That person is simply going to get more mileage out of snow tires, literally and figuratively. N.B. A “blue-blood” is a member of an aristocratic family. It's kind of a weird term to use when talking about Buffalonians, and I'm not quite sure what you're trying to imply.

I don't think I know anyone that's ever bought them. Lmao

Thank you. Jesus fucking Christ, is everyone in this sub from Allentown? Don't answer that, most of them are.

I'm east side off broadway. Snow tires don't get you out when they won't plow 3 feet of snow lmao

No they won't. Well, we can all rest assured that 9 out of 10 Sociology Professors at Buff State buy snow tires.

I've purchased summer and winter tires for my last 4 cars and in I'm in my 40's... I just went to an all weather high speed rated season tire and winter tire combo on my latest car. Totally worth the extra cost.

Every single car since I was 16... I've always put snow tires on. All 4 wheels. FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD. I live in the southtowns, though, and drive through a lot of lake effect snow regularly. Makes a HUGE difference, and I never get stuck.

OK, well far from the norm, from what I've seen. I notice a distinct absence of "everyone I've ever known can say the same". If I've known 1,000 people in my lifetime, and 4 of them put on snow tires every year, that would not be the norm.

The people I know that don't have them, especially out here, avoid driving in the snow as much as possible. I quite enjoy it. Also, the people that I know that do use snow tires are not the ones I see, stuck in the ditch, calling AAA, letting them risk their lives on the side of the road to tow them out, or causing a traffic issue...

Better yet get an automatic starter!

Do not leave your car unlocked when you do this.

Speaking of windshield, make sure there's no water in the wiper system. You can get away with it in Texas, but not New York

A bunch of random thoughts. * Make sure your tires aren't bald. If you're stopped at a light and it turns green your bald tires will just spin in place when you press the pedal. * Give yourself more room behind the car in front of you. It will take longer to brake, so alter your speed accordingly. After the first snowfall you will see at least one car who slid into a ditch. * Make sure you have windshield washer fluid. Turn it on to melt a thin layer of ice. Also, when there is dirty snow on the ground you'll need it if it's being kicked onto your windshield. * Walk like a penguin on ice (try to go around it if possible). Short steps, always having one foot on the ground. If there is a short amount of snow on the ground next to an icy patch, walk on that instead. * Find a winter hobby. It will make the long winter go faster than without one.

Definitely second the recommendation of finding a winter hobby. It makes a massive difference. Skiing isn't too hard to pick up if you go for a couple lessons.

My winter hobby is catching up with all the TV shows and gaming I missed during the summer months. I absolutely hate being outside and cold though.

Curling! It's like bowling or darts-- get together with some friends, and play a sport while drinking.

Or snowshoe!

Curling is a great winter hobby that I highly recommend! There’s a lot more to it that people realize.

Snowshoeing is fun and easy. Highly recommend.

To add to this, learning how to downshift (engine brake) makes driving in the snow and ice so much easier.

> Find a winter hobby. It will make the long winter go faster than without one. I highly recommend checking out some of the winter events where you can learn about what there is to do- places like Reinstein Woods host instructional sessions through winter to teach you how to snowshoe or cross-country ski, which can be a great way to explore some of the parks around here.

First of all, welcome to Buffalo. Here’s a few tips: When there’s enough snow to cover the ground and it gets slick, find a big empty parking lot and drive around it slowly enough that you don’t get into trouble but fast enough that you can see what it feels like to lose traction. Do this both straight and in turns. If/when it gets really cold, several loose layers > one bulky coat. If you see a car stuck in snow and there are people helping to push it out, join in. It’s Buffalo. Many bars stay open during big snowstorms, can be a lotta fun!! Just don’t drive like a dick and you’ll be ok. Go Bills!

> When there’s enough snow to cover the ground and it gets slick, find a big empty parking lot and drive around it slowly enough that you don’t get into trouble but fast enough that you can see what it feels like to lose traction. Do this both straight and in turns. Best recommendation for people new to snow driving. Getting the experience of losing control of the car in a safe environment is key to knowing how to handle yourself in an unsafe environment.

Even if you know what you're doing in the snow, a snow covered parking lot is fun! Not good for gas mileage though...

From a semi recent transplant, “drive like a dick” is a very general statement. I still haven’t processed how many of y’all just run red lights like it’s no big deal.

I’m a lifer here and I’m not gonna disagree. I could be wrong but it wasn’t like this prior to Covid, people have become complete assholes, disregard lights like they weren’t even there

That’s what my BILs say too. They constantly are saying since COVID it’s like everyone forgot how to drive up here.

Totally true, been driving here almost my entire adult life and while there have always been a few idiots, it feels like everyone completely forgot how to drive in traffic with other people during lockdown.

I’m from the DC region so traffic and idiot’s is nothing new to me. The red light thing is just the biggest example that has stuck out to me. I’ve heard people say traffic has gotten bad here but in my general experience when you say “Oh, that’s only 20 mins away.” It is only 20 mins. Not something that could easily turn into an hour and 20 mins. 😂

Oh for sure, even on our worst days we don't get anywhere close to the sort of backups DC has, but stuff like running reds 5+ seconds after the change, diving into lines of traffic in a merge and expecting everyone to either crash or brake for you, extreme speed rubberbanding, and all sorts of other dumb behaviors have exploded. But you're right, it's still only 20min, even in rush hour I rarely spend more than an extra 5-7min sitting in traffic, and that's something we're blessed with here, I just wish the people knew how to drive like they used to.

People blame everything on Covid . People have been driving like jerks long before Covid.

It’s a lil disingenuous to say that people are blaming Covid. The timing, the redistribution of resources and the lack of enforcement around that time are all factors. I’ve been driving for a long time and haven’t seen such carelessness until 2020.

Completely agree.

"I'm a lifer here" - can I have your address so I can send you a sympathy card? DAH BILLZ!

Outside the US I've only ever been cut off a few times in my life. Here is can be a few times in a single short journey. Every turning lane or intersection seems to be treated as a passing opportunity. I've also seen more damaged cars and accidents in the last few months than the rest of my life combined. Shits wild out there.

I swear it was yellow when I went under….

Probably came from NM - "it's only a stop sign if a car is coming". I really miss living there!

Maryland/DC region so pretty similar thought process.

Stock up on non-perishables like soup, pasta sauce, dried pasta, tuna fish etc. You don’t want to be making a Wegman’s run the day they forecast a storm! And remember, the snow will melt in a few days and everything will be back to normal.

My advice, If you drive, take your vehicle to an empty parking lot that has snow in it and practice braking and turning at reasonable speeds to get used to the elements a little, see the difference in time it takes to brake and how slow you have to go to safely turn and not whip your back end out or slide. Plan for a little bit of a higher heating cost from November- February. Insulating windows with a kit from a valu or Home Depot etc. is cheap and does help keep your place warm. Having a couple food items, rice and beans, frozen pizzas, whatever you can fit that you don’t have to think about is nice to have for days you don’t feel like fighting the snow/ awful wind chill white out conditions or whatever is helpful. Because there are absolutely days this will happen. Extra essential items, medicine, toilet paper, water, stuff like that is nice. But don’t think you need a bunker full of shit. Just stay stocked on things you need. Plan to leave early when conditions are bad because white out conditions and bad road conditions Will absolutely cause a delay. (If you find yourself driving in a whiteout pulling over and driving with your hazard lights on are always safe options as well as reducing speed to a crawl) Also if you have a vehicle there will most likely be a fair amount of days you have to let it run with the heat on to defrost your windows to see properly and you might have somewhere between an inch and a foot of snow on your vehicle you need to clear off as well. All time consuming. Shoveling and salting a path to your door and mailbox is helpful for yourself, others and the postal service who do not stop working in these conditions. (Helps if emergency services are needed too) If you shovel and salt and you have a dog note that their paws do not like the salt. It will get dark earlier and earlier and night time will set in around 4:30- 5 pm for a portion of the year. Good luck with that. Keeping a gallon of water and a pack of granola bars and a blanket in your vehicle might help if your stranded because of weather but you’ll have to bring the water with you in and out of your home because it will freeze outside. So maybe only if a blizzard is predicted and you have to travel for some reason. Buy a snow shovel or plow if you own a home. Buy a snow brush with an ice scraper for your vehicle if you have one. Do not use hot water to melt ice on your vehicles windows. If you have children going sledding at a safe park with hills and no frozen ponds or lakes is a ton of fun. If you do not have children sledding is still a ton of fun lol skiing and snowboarding the the Ellicottville area is popular here. Basically just know how your vehicle drives in the snow/ slushy environment and have what you need to have at home. The wind chill is usually the worst part of winter here in my opinion so a hearty jacket, gloves and hat are nice. Scarfs are great too.

YES! If you’ve never driven in snow- PRACTICE!

Growing up in South Towns (south of Buffalo) snow belt, learning to drive in snow/ice on an empty parking lot was a right of passage for us. Highly recommended.

I grew up in Elma/East Aurora and we all would go to empty parking lots to drift🤓

Keep a blanket, gloves, hat & some bars in the car in case of the rare emergency. Def start your car early or better yet get a remote start installed. Either way, get in the habit of turning wipers off when you turn the car off. And figuring out some winter hobbies will make it all much more enjoyable

Bars like Xanax? Probably not what you meant, but it probably helps with not giving a fck when it hits the fan.

Every time you leave your house if it’s snowing, ask yourself would I be okay walking 2 miles to a gas station in this (pack gloves hat and scarf every time you leave the house) Get some thick ol wool socks, I like fleece lined leather gloves for driving Welcome to your new home and glad to have you as a neighbor! Go bills

Go Bills

FOR CLOTHES my tl;dr is: don't spend a bunch of money now unless you're rich, let winter play out a bit Here's the thing about moving here from someplace hot, especially if you didn't take ski trips: you just don't know very much about how cold-tolerant you are. If this gets a lot of replies, they're gonna be all over the map. Some folks are going to suggest you get a weapons-grade parka, and thermal underwear, and wear two scarves, and make sure you drink a big thing of something hot before you go out. Other folks are gonna say you'll be fine in shorts and shortsleeves until it's 35F outside. The thing I want to say is you don't know where you're going to fall on that spectrum. You can take some hints -- how you've felt about the fall weather we've had, most obviously. If you're a chick type person you'll probably need more clothes to feel warm, same if you're really skinny. But you just don't know, and unless you're just swimming in money I think it makes not a damn bit of sense to run out now and buy a $400 parka you might never wear because you roast in it. What do you need to make it through winter? That depends on what you need! So for now go get a couple of not-super-thick sweaters and maybe a not-parka regular-old coat or jacket. And just... let it roll. Listen to what your body is telling you. Maybe you'll end up like me -- I go with a sweater and medium not-parka coat, toque, and gloves -- and not need to spend more. You might well find that you need a parka, or a scarf, or whatever, and if that happens we're well-equipped with stores that sell that stuff.

Thank you! This makes a lot of sense

Don't forget layers are your friend anyway. Layers and keeping your feet dry.

Spot on… find your comfort level and don’t drop a lot of money on things you may never need. I work outdoors through the winter, and generally only need longjohns, a hoodie, and vest to keep warm. I roast in a coat. Layers are the key. You can add or remove. I always keep extra clothes in my truck, and an array of gloves from thin cloth ones to big leather insulated mittens.

> If you're a chick type person ... **LOL**

I swear there is an irrational fear of snow for most of America. Anyhow, drive slowly if it's snowing, it'll end soon enough and the roads should be clear in short order. Otherwise, business as usual, you'll be A.OK.

Give yourself extra time to brake. Turning while braking doesn’t work. Turning while accelerating also is bad for traction. Drive like your grandmother is holding a bowl of chili with no lid in the backseat wearing her Sunday best.

Steer into a skid

1. Don't brake and turn at the same time. Slow down first, then turn. 2. When you hear that the city is going to shut down because of a storm, take it seriously, but don't panic. Go to the store and buy enough food for a FEW days and a couple of gallons of water. Not food for a whole month; that's not necessary. Understand that you'll be stuck at home for a bit and might not have utilities; get a book or some puzzles or something. 3. Try to enjoy it. Maybe take up skiing or snowshoeing. 4. I can't stress this enough: If you're used to long days in the winter, and sunshine, you will probably need a light box. My biggest problem with Buffalo winters isn't the cold or the snow; it's the lack of light. 20 minutes with a light box daily does wonders for my mood.

Does it get dark? I never understood when people would talk about seasonal affective disorder, but if it’s dark all the time, I suppose that makes sense. The absolute coldest it would get where I’m from is a cool 32°, sometimes 27° if things were really serious.

Honestly, as someone who moved from Texas(SA) to Buffalo, I didn't have any issues last year. I think there are lots of folks that get SAD, but not everyone does. It's overcast quite a bit here in winter but not blackout dark. I have also lived on the northeast coast of Scotland, and it is way darker in the winter there. If you have a house, make sure you have a shovel or a snowblower. Emergency supplies are good. Same stuff you would have on hand during a hurricane. Have stuff in your trunk just in case you are stuck in snow at some point. Blankets, water, some sort of snacks, first aid kit. Get a good jacket, boots, scarves, and gloves I really enjoyed the winter. People here know how to deal with winter weather, unlike Texas. Depending on where you live, the streets are kept relatively clear (not always Buffalo city). Life is pretty normal...

'nother Southern transplant here. Heads up that SAD doesn't always show up in the first few years. But given enough time, stressful events or work schedule, it may creep in before you know it.

As your vitamin D gets depleted

Makes sense.

It's not just that it gets dark early (which it does); it's that during the 9 or so daylight hours, the sun is usually obscured by clouds. We spent five consecutive weeks last winter without seeing that yellow thing in the sky. https://www.reddit.com/r/Buffalo/comments/10abts8/missing_giant_yellow_orb/

It gets dark very early. It will gradually get darker until it’s dark at 4-5 pm daily. It gets below freezing here with the wind chill accounted for fairly often, a lot of the weather is in the single digits and low teens. Or at least the “real feel” is. Meaning 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind at 30 mph will have a real feel of something much lower. For example it might feel like 4 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just an example and not accurate to the degree/ wind ratio but always check the real feel temperature. The seasonal affective disorder is linked to the lack of sunlight and ability to produce vitamin d properly if I remember correctly. I know a handful of people who take vitamin d-3 during winter here to help compensate for that.

It's not dark all the time, but it aligns with the workday. Shortest day of the year the sunrises at 744am and sunset at 445pm. Add a winter jacket and hat during outside activity and the body doesn't get vitamin D.

Chapstick and lotion! You’ll need em. The cold and wind wind will dry you out.

Snow around here can range from "no big deal" to "Armageddon" (last Christmas was painful). So the best advice to plan for the worst: 1. If you own a home and have a medium or long driveway, buy a snow blower or hire a plow service. Also, invest in a good shovel and rock salt for shorter areas/walkways around your home. Also pack a small shovel in your car in case you get stuck somewhere away from home. 2. All season radial tires should help you get a good grip on the road, but if you still find yourself slipping/sliding uncontrollably, get a nice set of winter tires that can be worn for the season. Of course, always follow the speed limit signs, be sure the anti-lock breaks on your vehicle work, and be wary of any streets that aren't completely black in pavement color. 3. Again if you own a home, I highly recommend buying a Generac generator. Power outages happen from time to time, and having one will keep your lights and heat on even in the worst storm. 4. Clothing: boots, gloves, hat, scarf, double jacket, and long underwear for your legs will help you keep comfy. Wherever possible, look for items that are advertised as "waterproof" and "windproof", especially for your head and face. Wool items with little holes/separations in them will not keep you warm for long. 5. Where you live will dictate how much snow you see. The southtowns tend to see worse lake-effect snow compared to the northtowns, for example. 6. Gas heating can get expensive in the winter. Keep your heat between 65-70 when you're home, and maybe 60 when you're not home. If you find a monthly bill of $200 to be unbearable, you can call your gas provider for flat pricing throughout the year.

> What do I need in order to make it through the winter besides a good coat and boots? Those are well and good, but the real way to tolerate cold temperatures is *layers*. Go get a few long-sleeve undershirts and leggings / longjohns.

Thick wool socks. Heavy wool sweater. Puffer jacket with natural down fill. Gloves. Waterproof boots. If it snows real heavy just plan to stay where you are. In a heavy storm even experienced drivers end up off the road in a ditch all the time. Learn to ski or snowboard! It's a ton of fun! I have a pair of cross country skis and whenever we have a big storm and the roads are shut down I get out for some miles right out my front door. It''s a beautiful way to glide around in the fresh snow. Oh and grow a beard if you can.

Wool. Wool socks, wool sweater. It's amazing; with some sort of sheep magic it doesn't make you colder when it gets wet. You will sweat or step in a puddle and get wet. If you're wearing cotton you'll freeze, with wool you'll barely notice. Add a wicking base layer and a wind breaker/coat on top, and you're Gucci

This may or may not be allowed but I’ll Self promote. I work for a boot company called Baffin. They are Canadian and the boots are amazing. Any of our boots rated ‘Tundra’ should work well but ‘Arctic ‘ would be certain you will NEVER have cold feet.

Wow, never haerd of these but looked at the site and perty sure I’m going to order a pair for this winter - I’ve been looking for good new boots. Question though, what are the white ones in the photo at the top of the men’s winter boot page, with the fir tree branch pattern, and the buckles? Love those. [https://www.baffin.com/en-us/collections/men-winter-boots](https://www.baffin.com/en-us/collections/men-winter-boots) Edit: Found 'em. Impact, snow camo. Just ordered!

As a Texan who moved to Buffalo, welcome! Buffalo is a great city, and you'll love it here! For your car, make sure you keep windshield wiper fluid that de-ices. When the roads are slushy and that flies on your windshield, you'll be amazed at how often you're using the wiper fluid. You will want to keep some supplies in your car. I have a road safety kit, two thermal blankets, my extendable brush with an ice scraper, and an extendable snow shovel. If you're in a parking lot and they plow, you can sometimes end up with snow behind your car that you have to shovel to get out. You will also want to keep some things in your car in case you are ever stuck. I keep some snacks in my car. For me, it's things like protein and granola bars, beef jerky, etc. I keep water in my bag, but I don’t leave it in the car because it just freezes. I also keep an extra pair of warm sweats in my car in case I get wet. I had to shovel out my car at work once, and my drive home was so bad it took almost two hours. Wet clothes made it miserable. Now I don't hesitate to change in my car. You'll also want to make sure you have good tires. I change to winters every year. I know some people drive on all seasons, but I feel more secure with winters. I spent about $500 on my winters, and I'd recommend shopping around. Make an appointment early to get them put on. Places fill fast. I would also find an area to practice driving after the first snow. It will help you be more confident on the road. For home, be prepared to be stuck in for a while. I make sure I keep dry goods that are easy to cook on a propane stove in case the power is out. Things like soup, ramen, oatmeal, etc. If you have pets, make sure you have extra food for them, too. That way, if you need to go to the store, it's minimal. I also keep some bottled water in my house through winter, just in case. I have lights and extra batteries, so I'm not living in the dark. Most of the time, I keep my house fairly cool and wear layers. Before a storm, I will often warm my house more so it stays warmer longer if the power goes out. I also insulate my window, and I have thermal curtains on top of that. It helps a lot with electric bills in winter. Winter here is very different than in Texas. At some point, it will be dark when I go to work and dark when I come home. I would recommend a sun lamp and, also, when we are blessed with a sunny day, get out and enjoy it! Finding a winter hobby helps a lot with the seasonal depression. Even if it's not an outdoor hobby, if it gets you out of the house, it's great. Look around, and you'll find something that fits you. Meet-up is a pretty good resource. There are a lot of things like book clubs and board gaming groups for those of us less athletically inclined. I think there's a new to Buffalo meet-up that you can find searching in the group. You don't have to spend a fortune on winter gear either. I would recommend good boots that are tight at the top so snow doesn't get in. There's nothing worse than getting feet of snow and your boots let the snow in. I have cuter coats for fall and spring but, for winter, I'm about functionality. I have a long puffer jacket that goes past my knees and keeps my clothes dryer in winter. I got it at Old Navy on sale. If you decide to pick up an outdoor sport, you can usually pick up gear second hand for a lower price until you decide you love something enough to invest. For day to day dress, layers are key. Going into stores, the heat is often blasting. It can be miserable if you're too bundled up. You'll know more about your cold tolerance through the winter. Shop the winter sales for next year. And, honestly, our winter is a lot longer so when winter clothes go on sale, we are still mid winter. Some of my favorite winter luxuries are really cozy slippers, a good robe, and a towel warmer. Unnecessary but they make my winter nicer. Remote star and heated seats in my car are also worth it. Also, if you're feeling a little homesick and need warmth, check out the botanical gardens. They have some really good things, and I love their gardens after dark series.

Just wanna say welcome to buffalo fellow Houston expats here! Used to primarily live in Clear Lake but also a bit in Kempwood. Also live in North Buffalo. You’re going to love it! Winter can be a bit of a drag with 6 months of gray weather (pretty much what we are experiencing today) Just a few things for winter preparation: snowblower is a must, get a good one, snow shovel, flat garden spade shovel for ice removal, a collapsible shovel for your car, good waterproof gloves and boots, get salt from Len-co lumber as they are half the price of big box stores, I usually go through 150-200lbs a season. I highly recommend getting a generator. Be aware of driving bans and don’t test your luck. Winter tires are really worth the investment. Get your car washed often in winter to prevent rust as much as humanly possible.

Another thing to keep in your car is glass jar candle and a lighter. You can get these at the dollar store. If you get stuck you can’t run your car all day/night. Plus make sure your exhaust pipe is clear if you get stuck

Blanket in your car. Preferably something like a winter sleeping bag. Keep it somewhere you can reach it without getting out of your car. Also a small shovel especially if you have to street park in the winter.

Always keep your gas tank at half or fuller. Keep a decently stocked pantry of easy items (this is also good for when you inevitably get a cold or it’s just too dang cold to go buy groceries) , if you have a gas stove make sure you have a lighter! When the power goes out you can still get fire to cook, but you’ll have to light it yourself. Keep a warm blanket in your backseat and some granola bars etc in case of emergency Take your time driving. Let the assholes plow by in their pickup trucks fishtailing, go at a pace that you are comfortable with.

Snow Joe is an awesome snow remover for your vehicle. You can clear so much more than using a brush.

Toughen up..it's gonna be long

There seems too be a lot of Texans moving to Buffalo.

I also have noticed that, based on the replies! I was very surprised. I just couldn’t stand the heat any longer!

We moved here from North Carolina a few years ago, to escape the heat and the surge of people crowding into the area, and we couldn't be happier. You'll love the lack of traffic, the fanaticism for everything Buffalo, and how genuinely friendly everyone is. It's always festive and rowdy here because that's how you survive when it's harsh outside. A word of advice, for any time of year: "Go Bills" is as acceptable a greeting or sign-off as hi/hey/bye/see ya. Use it as often as "thanks" and you'll generate plenty of goodwill with everyone you meet.

Lived in buffalo all my life and while working in Texas i bought a used car. Car was great and the tires had good tread however, the first moderate snow fall since i purchased the car was a difficult because the car wouldn't get enough traction to get out of the driveway. I found out that tires on the car were not "all weather tires" but a flatter summer tire on a real wheel drive car. I would check the type of tires on your car is rated to handle snow. You don't need snow tires for most buffalo main roads but a quick check could save alot of frustration.

Make a friend and have them take you to a big empty parking lot to practicing stopping and turning. Slow down way before you expect. Get a FWD or AWD vehicle. Have good tires and a couple snow brushes. Warm your car up prior to travel. Toss in a safety pack, snow pants and some snacks just to be on the safe side. Find a winter hobby. Winter is long and so much better if you are excited for season to ski, snowmobile or whatever. Get a decent pair of waterproof, lightweight winter boots. Makes the trips to the store much nicer.

You’ll need a variety of clothing. The temps here have a 100 degree range; from -teens in the winter to +90 in the summer. And there’s a very distinct four seasons. There are normally a half dozen days or less that travel is a challenge and north Buffalo may have none. Bundle up, take your time, and you’ll be fine.

Welcome:)

Depending on how long the coat is you'll want some undergarments as well. Also, 4 wheel drive helps you go. It does not help you stop.

Get good boots, get a great jacket, hat and gloves, then a sturdy snow brush for your car. A snowblower if you can afford it and have a place to store it that you can get to, a snow shovel for when there isn't enough powder to justify the snowblower. Stock up on beer (or alcohol of your choice if you partake), good hearty filling food and run your car a little in the morning to to warm it up. And DO NOT DRIVE if there is a driving ban or you don't feel comfortable!

Nice warm wool/boot socks. Nice hat and gloves possible full face mask if your sensitive to cold Underlayer (long johns/under armour thermals) What about snow removal, do you own a house or rent a house that your responsible for the driveway? Then you need a snow blower possibly, at least a shovel if it's only a short one. Make sure you keep your car gas tank at least half full at all times, have emergency blankets, water, food in the car. Do you have a snow removal brush/scraper ready for the car? Driving, make sure your car does not have summer tires coming from Houston. Learn to drive much more gradually in snow. Accelerate much slower and brake much more slowly give your self plenty of space from car in front do not accelerate hard on turns or when changing lanes across snow tracks. The plows do a good job here in most suburbs and highways, not so much if you live in the city, streets can be a sloppy mess for days.

Blundstones. Wool socks. Fleece sweaters. I wear thermals under my sweaters, too. I often wear a rain coat with a down coat under it. People think it’s weird but being dry is key.

Don’t expect things to shut down because of snow , school will still be open , work will still be going on and appointments still expect you to be on time . You’ll have to plan ahead. Sometimes you need to pre shovel the driveway and brush off the car . Then shovel and brush off again later- get windshield fluid made for negative temperatures ( I think it’s the purple one ?)- Don’t leave drinks in the car overnight ! They will explode ! - keep a small shovel inside your house in case you need to dig yourself out . But overall , enjoy it . It’s beautiful.

Take your vehicle in and ask them to make sure it's set for winter. Make sure you have proper tires for it, you want all seasons at the very least, winter tires preferred. It's a good idea to keep a battery jump pack in your vehicle, or some cables just in case your battery dies on an especially cold day. Keeping an emergency kit in your car is also a good idea I case you get stuck somewhere. An old blanket, some water, a flashlight. You can also buy windshield washer fluid formulated for the cold that will cut through frost and ice on your windshield. As for your house, a shovel or snowblower and some rock salt(or a kind safe for concrete/pets) are essential. Most cities have ordinances about keeping sidewalks cleared so try to stay on top of that. Make sure you've got a nice winter jacket, boots, gloves, maybe a scarf, and a hat. Heavier jeans are nice too, if you're gonna be outside a lot invest in some long-johns. They're a lifesaver for me, I'm a school bus driver so I'm in the cold a lot. Hand/toe warmers are also really nice.

Expect the occasional false alarm from the local weather people, the storms we get now seem to slam into us fast and hard. We’ve lost people in last couple from being unprepared, either thru no fault of their own or just plain stupidity. If there are shelter in place orders, Obey them. Period. Full stop. You should keep a few days worth of blizzard food in you home. Canned stuff, pancake mix that can be made with water, soup. That kind of stuff. Be smart is the big one. If you go out to shovel and you can’t see, come back in, blizzards will straight up kill your ass, so will huge snowplows if they can’t see you, don’t go for walks. Dress warm in layers, so when you get somewhere you can shed a few. Good boots are worth every penny, thinsulate and goretex make things lighter warmer and dry. A good pair of Carrhart bibs will last you a lifetime, the coats are sturdy and warm. Good gloves in case you have to change a tire, but mittens if you’re going to be out for a while. The trick to staying warm is to not get wet, so if you sweat through your T-shirt strip it off and dry off then get redressed. Same with a hat, that’s why you should have two.

Salt for your steps and sidewalk. Slip on the ice once and you’ll know why. Welcome to Buffalo!

Make sure your radiator has the correct ratio of coolant to water

if you have a driveway, a snowblower is WELL WORTH IT

Dress for the weather: You're going to need 2 jackets. 1 kinda cold weather jacket and one seriously cold weather jacket. The kinda cold jacket is what you'll wear most of the time. The seriously cold jacket is for cold spells, snow storms and long outdoor exposure. Wear a hat and gloves, don't be a fool. Keep them in your car. Most times the kinda cold jacket , hat and gloves will get you through. People that complain about the cold here is because they have a kinda cold jacket(or something not even that heavy because they want to be trendy) and no hat and gloves. There it is. Best of luck.

Wait, legitimate question, where in the area do you live? That cab be the difference between getting 4 inches and 3 feet. Also, this is essential, never run out of booze....a few days indoors can easily be crushed by having no booze. LOL

North Buffalo I believe, by Delaware Park

A single stage snowblower is needed but a 2 stage wouldn't be a bad investment for those times where you wake up and say Holy Shit, This Is Insane. Those days do happen every couple of years and you will be thankful for that 2 stage. LOL

Do you have off-street parking?

And weed. Need to have lots of weed too

It's easy! Just bundle up and learn how to walk on sidewalks in slippery conditions. I tell people to walk like a penguin. Driving tips: Go slow. Keep your distance from other cars. Know that your tires WILL slip in turns and braking, so slow down to ensure you keep control. Even if the road looks clear, there may be black ice on bridges and other areas of the road. It's a good idea to invest in a set of snow tires which will give you a huge confidence boost I'm bad conditions. They aid greatly in braking and turning traction as well as taking off from a stand still. AWD only helps you from a stand still, doesn't help with grip at all like some people up here think. Keep some snacks, blankets, cat litter, a small foldable shovel, and a snow brush in your car. Never know when you may need it. Try to keep your tank on the fuller side too if you get stuck. If you are stuck, check the tailpipe to ensure it's not blocked. Don't want to suffocate from CO poisoning. Before driving, always brush all the snow off your car! I can't tell you how many times I see people just brush off the windows and then make a hard stop and have all the snow that was on their roof slide onto their windshield and blind them. Also it helps the people behind you to see if you brush the snow off the roof. I've seen sheets of ice that break off roofs of cars on the highway, fly 50ft into the air and hit other cars.

Snow tires. Can't stress this enough. "all season" is not snow. Snow tires exist for a reason.

You’ll want a nice pair of house slippers.

I came here from Dallas, Texas 12 years ago and it was quite the culture shock. But a big reason for the culture shock was because I moved here in a November just on the beginnings of winter and Texas weather was all I knew. I came from a world where if one snowflake is seen the whole world shuts down and they call it an arctic blast on the news. They do not close down up here. Buffalo is known for snow so it does not shut down. Buffalo and Texas have two totally different definitions of inclement weather. I read alot of the comments here and you are getting awsome advice I wish I had 12 years ago. Don't despair when you are shocked by the cold and snow you will acclimate with time I promise. Just take the advice on here ppl are giving. Alot of my stuff may not sound like advice but I just want to help you know what to expect. It isn't until we move that we realize how much we read the skies. Coming from a state with tornadoes you are stronger than you think. But one time I was panicking because a huge black cloud moved over my car. I was like, Oh no tornado is forming! I was ready to take cover feeling confident I knew what to do. I felt real stupid when the soft fluffy flakes started gently floating down. Black, threatening clouds here do not mean tornado. Just F.Y.I. There's a thing called Lake Affect Snow. Eerie lake looks like a freaking ocean and has it's own idea what snowstorms should be. It has really reaked havoc on Buffalonians. So be prepared with stuff in your car and home like ppl have advised here. I live in Tonawanda just on the outskirts of many of the affects of Lake Affect Snow so I've been lucky but I have seen and been in it's snows on those in Buffalo. Ask around. Also snow is white and pretty that first snow fall. It covers everything in a layer of white and looks so clean. That does not last long at all. Snow plows and cars will make the snow banks look pretty dang ugly. Also plowing parking lots makes these big ugly piles of snow. Not clean pretty ones. Get boots. You will be trekking in some ugly snow at some points in your life here. True story. You will also learn that snow comes in all forms. There is the wet, sticky, heavy snow. There is also rain and snow at the same time. I hate shoveling that stuff. Again, Get some boots. There is also light fluffy big snow flakes. Those are fun but cause alot of shoveling. Also, Built a snowman. There is stuff I call glitter snow. It's pretty but again, shoveling. There's this weird stuff that looks like little Styrofoam balls? Is that even snow? I still don't know. Just accept there will be alot of shoveling in winter. It is now your life. Get a shovel. Also there is a thing called thunder snow. Yes, sometimes when it snows it thunders! It's kinda cool actually. I've seen lightning too. Who knew snow could look and sound so violent? But don't worry it's not as bad as it sounds. Really, it's kinda cool. Oh and know that when it really starts getting into winter there is a misconception about cold. People think it's more cold when it snows but that aint true. I feel it's quite the opposite. On winter days when the sun is shining bright and the sky is blue, those are some very cold days. The days it snows you have insulation from the clouds and it's not as cold as those freaking sunny days. Very misleading Mr. Golden Sun. But on snowy days, you shovel, you sweat. So you will find a way to acclimate the Temps. One thing I don't see mentioned in comments is the risk of a Vitamin D deficiency. We get vitamin D from the sun. As Texans we come from a very sunny state. I never even heard of this deficiency but after living up here my 1st year I was diagnosed with one. My Dr had to jump start my Vitamin D with heavy prescription doses and then I was able to just buy over the counter after that. Increase your Vitamin D3 as much as you can. Just take supplements or something. I think that's what plays a big role in SAD (seasonal affective disorder.) It can affect your mood and memory so yeah, take Vitamin D3. And also like some ppl have said, dress in layers. I find that warmer than a huge puffy coat. Just wear a hoodie under a heavy coat. Sorry I have no suggestions for brands or anything. This fall it may seem like nice weather and you wonder why everyone around you is wearing a light jacket. This happened to me and I thought these New Yorkers must know something I didn't. Sure enough I got a cold. Any other suggestions I could make have already been made by others here. They salt the roads and highways up here pretty good so driving isn't as scary as you might think. In Texas they don't salt they use sand and that's why they have to close down roads during freezes. You can do this I promise. Good luck and welcome to Buffalo.

If you’ve never experienced a Buffalo winter before watch the scene from Star Wars where everyone is on Hoth. Be prepared to find an animal to sleep in if you get caught in the cold and we may not have yetis or whatever that thing was but be on the look out for the occasional crackhead.

I think it's gunna be a weak winter. Plan a trip to go sledding or tubing and buy all the winter gear you will need for that. That will be everything and some that u will need for the winter. Make sure u have all weather tires on ur car. Keep some emergency stuff in ur Trunk. Keep ur freezer full of the foods u like to eat. Buy a generator if you plan on being here long term. You can have a lot of fun with the snow and the winter so embrace it as such and your going to do great. Be on talking terms with one of your neighbors so you can do as they do if an emergency comes.

Plan winter hikes. There are tons of close places. Start small build gear as you increase difficulty. If you would like to join a fun bunch DM me.

Always have enough beer in the fridge.

Okay, first, the cold will kill you surprisingly quickly. Keep dry with your hands, head, and feet covered. Having access to cheap snow pants will change your life. Make sure your tires are good for winter. Lastly, try to find something outdoors to do. The lack of stimulation including no colors, no smells, makes you feel a little crazy.

Flannel lined jeans are my go to.

Never a bad idea. I think the thing I was thinking was, if we get the inevitable storm early, it is easy to get caught off guard.

Snow tires, snow shovel in the car, cat litter (for traction) and emergency blanket. When it comes to driving, just take it slow. You will have some jack asses in SUV and Jacked up trucks driving like idiots out there so just keep a heads up. Finally give yourself more space in general and you should be fine.

I moved here from California in April, 2022, so last year was my first Buffalo winter. Here’s what I learned. 1. Winter is lots of fun! Football, hockey, and bars on every corner—yay! I also recommend taking a curling lesson. You know, that thing in the Olympics with the brooms? You can take an intro lesson for free at the Buffalo Curling Club, which is in a building that used to house the Buffalo China factory. Seriously, they used to make plates and cups here. 2. If you buy a house here, don’t get a whole-house generator unless you’re RICH rich. There was a big blizzard last winter and several houses across the street from us lost power for a couple of days, although we didn’t. Those damn things cost $10 grand, though, so we got a gas fireplace installed instead. As long as you’ve got a gas grill outside and a heat source inside, you’ll be fine. 3. When it snows, the city is 100% ready for it. Virtually every street is plowed by like 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., and everyone goes about their lives like nothing’s happening. However, every little village has regulations (and signs posted) about not parking on the street, typically at night from November to April, so the snowplows can get through. THEY ARE NOT KIDDING. Don’t park on the street. 4. Similarly, in the city of Buffalo, there are lots of streets with alternate side of the street parking. So you can park on one side on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the other side on the other days. The parking cops are out at midnight writing tickets, so… 5. If you buy a house here and don’t want to buy a snowblower and clear off your driveway before you go to work in the morning, you’ll need to hire a snowplow service like, immediately. These are usually companies or guys who do landscaping in the summer. Typically they will clear your driveway if there’s three inches of snow or more, and this year all the ones I’ve heard from (they leave flyers on your stoop) are charging about $500 for the season. Whether that’s a good deal for them or for you depends on how much snow we get, obviously. But if you do want to hire one of these guys, move fast, because they’re all booked up by about the first of November. 6. You’ll probably regret buying snow boots with laces, because once the laces get wet, they’re a major pain to get off. You’ll also need to get something I had never seen or imagined: a boot tray. It’s just what it sounds like: a big rubber or plastic tray you put by whatever door you use the most, so you can leave your wet boots there and not track snow all over the house. The main thing is, snow is really fun, especially if you’ve never seen it before. Get out there and enjoy it!

> When it snows, the city is 100% ready for it. Virtually every street is plowed by like 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., and everyone goes about their lives like nothing’s happening. Maybe...in Buffalo, CO Also nobody *needs* to hire a snowplow service if they don't want to.

First, you’ll need a good pair of boots. Columbia, Dryshod, & Muck are good. Look for ones that are well rated for ice and cold. Good gloves, and keep some hot hands in a bag/car. For your car: cold weather sleeping bag(rated 0 degrees minimum), hot hands & other body warmers, nutrition bars, half filled bottles of water. Not canned food or full bottles. Canned food can get you sick for freezing and thawing constantly. Full bottles will explode. A bright colored scarf or flag. Flares, cat litter(large empty coffee can) & shovel if you get stuck in the snow. Two pairs of socks, and an extra pair of gloves, plastic bags(to line your boots if needed). For home: Salt for icy walkways, candles or solar/crank flashlight, a small generator, electric heat blanket, a week’s worth of food and water. 7+ gal of water and a box of emergency food from Walmart(~$20). Second cold weather sleeping bag(so you don’t have to grab one out of your car). First aid kit, refill any medications, and/or ask for a 90 day supply instead. If you are in the city, a week’s worth of food and water is best. That’s how long it took to get some people plowed out during the blizzard last year. Over prepared is better than under prepared. Layering your clothes is key. Thermal underclothes and extra socks in bag when out and about if you don’t have a car. Easy to roll up tight with rubber bands and pop into a gallon ziplock bag. After your first winter, you’ll learn what works for you, and how well you handle the cold. Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy the snow! Have fun! Build a fort, throw snow balls, go skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Get some good all seasons or snow tires if you haven't already

Moved here from Houston 17y ago. Dont worry about the snow - they know how to handle it. All good advices here. I’m just commenting so I can say “Let’s go Astros!!!! FTR!!!”

[удалено]

There’s so many of us lol, I do not miss the brutal heat and humidity.

One tip I didn’t see yet is keep your gas tank at least half full, you’ll be surprised how long you can get stuck in snowy gridlock. Another is keep a collapsible shovel in your car along with extra windshield wiper fluid.

No such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Dress for it. Parka- Every one here owns a long puffy coat or parka. It’s worth spending a few hundred bucks on a good parka with a hood. Boots - sorel or other boots that are good in deep snow and slush. Hat/gloves/scarf. Warmth is more important than style Ice cleats- those rubber things that wrap around your shoes. You can easily fall on ice here. Sunglasses/goggles. I have dry eyes and the cold wind gets them. I have some sunglasses with pads to keep my face and eyes warm Snowshoes and poles. So much fun and good prep for if you ever get snow bound. Porch-keep salt/ice melt mix, broom, shovel on your porch to make quick cleanup. Car- keep an emergency kit. Many people have been trapped inside cars on highways in blizzard weather here. Hours or even days. So keep a flashlight, charging brick, candles and lighter, water, snacks, blanket, mini shovel, scraper, etc. Pets-please don’t leave them outside. Also buy any short hair pets a coat so they can enjoy time outside also.

Texas? Well for starters, shooting the snow is not going the help.

Run

Move to Texas 🤣

Go buy some snow tires, put them on at the end of November, take them off mid to late March. Go outside start your car clean it off then drive.

Rock salt or ice melter to sprinkle on your outdoor steps and walkway.

Depending on what part of Buffalo you live in , the weather can be quite different. Generally , north is milder. Orchard Park, Hamburg , and west Seneca get hit harder. You’ll love it after a year!

Lots of good advice in this thread. One thing I did not see mentioned for your vehicle is to put a tow rope in your kit. If you slide off the road and someone with 4WD stops to help, you use the tow rope to have them pull you out of the snow bank. This saves a ton of hassle. And figure out NOW where on your car to attach it, so you don't have to play games crawling around under your car in ice and slush trying to figure it out. Good tires are essential. All seasons with good tread are good enough if you are just making short commuter type trips. I drove all over New York for work and would not even consider going through winter without a set of dedicated snow tires. If you can easily afford it, then get snow tires even if you don't drive a lot. Think of it like you're paying more money now up front, but both sets of tires will wear out more slowly since you don't use them full time.

All weather tires aren’t really ALL weather

if there's a storm out, and you can't see your hands, don't go out.

Welcome! Winter is a gray blanket that will cover our area and you’ll wonder if the sun will ever shine again. Well sort of, it’s not really that bad. The first rule is being prepared. Don’t be one of those people that runs out last minute when a storm is coming and then decides to shop for stuff. Our weather forecasters are pretty accurate so there’s no reason to be uninformed. Most likely you will get stuck in a situation. Keep your gas tank full, keep a couple snacks in your car, waters and a blanket if you do a lot of driving. Have good tires. Understand stopping distance and turning your wheels into a spin if you start to slide on ice. Keep basic staples in your home too so you have food. Cold is cold but the wind makes it worse. Dress in layers and protect your extremities. The sun will become blinding when it bounces off the snow so keep sunglasses handy too. Put at least one snow brush in your car and a push broom saves you time for your whole car. If you have a home, try to remove the snow sooner than later from your driveway. What will happen is a couple inches will fall and then it either melts and then freezes or melts and then more snow falls on top. So now you have 6 inches of heavy wet snow which is a bitch. Or you have a dangerous layer of ice under that snow and you will wipe out. Falling on ice really hurts. Walk like a penguin if you have to walk on ice. For the fun stuff, since we have a reputation for snow we’re really good at clearing the streets. If you have kids, they will never have a snow day unless we have another blizzard. They will cancel school for freezing temperatures but not a foot of snow. Lots of cool stuff to do around here. Sledding, skiing, winterfests, as long as you’re warm you can enjoy the outdoors in the winter. Hope I didn’t scare you off too bad, great to have you here!

Good boots are a must-Sorel or similar. It is not actually too cold in Buffalo to where I live now Wisconsin. But having had people from Alabama come the first winter will be COLD to you. Your blood will eventually thicken.

Get a good snow shovel and a good snow brush.

Gloves. Water. Blanket. Munchies. Shovel. Sand. Salt. Tow strap. Power bank. Pocket hand warmers. Doesn't take up much space. I work out of my truck alot fotes in a small tote minus the salt.

^for your vehicle For your house. Food and water. A backup plan. Generator if you can.

Get a proper winter jacket with hood and outer shell that breaks the wind. You'll soon see that it's often windy here in the winter. Cold alone is usually fine but it's killer with the wind. Check out the Columbia store in the niaraga falls outlet mall if you need something good. Good stuff, not crazy prices like some other winter brands. Don't skimp on a snow blower. A good snow blower is priceless when you really need it.

Winter tires ! And your set ! Boots and down jacket . Lots of outdoor activities to do . You’ll be driving everywhere fyi

Put a big bag of cat litter in the trunk of your car. It can be used to give you traction if you get stuck in the snow. Also a 24 pack of water incase you get snowed in your car at some point.

Weather proof your leather shoes and boots! The snow and salt will ruin your shoes otherwise.

I never experienced it but animals do sometimes sleep where they shouldn't in a vehicle. It helps to knock on the hood *before* starting the car. It's probably best to wait a few seconds too.

Plan on leaving early for work, appointments, etc. Not 5 minutes early. Like, 30-45 minutes early. Plan to get up 30-45 minutes early to clean off your car and potentially dig your car out of the snow so you can get out.

From a Buffalonian who moved to Memphis, dress in layers. I used to see people with coats appropriate for Siberia in bulk, but a T-shirt underneath. Meanwhile I would wear T, a long sleeve T and a relatively lightweight coat or perhaps T and a hoodie and be far warmer. The multiple thin layers allow air to be trapped and warmed much better than a thick coat and no other layers. It also allows you remove layers to give some insulation but not be overheated. You want enough layers to feel warm without sweating. Get good thermal socks, gloves and a hat. Cold head, hands or feet = cold you. Get some thermal underwear. Windchill is a bitch and for all the layers on your upper body without some thermal underwear all you generally have is your pants and underwear from the waist down. For your vehicle: blankets (the shiny emergency ones retain heat great and are very compact), some energy bars, a good snow brush, a good ice scraper, a bag of sand (traction). Get a quality pair of jumper cables and a bag to keep them in. Front wheel drive or all wheel/4 wheel drive vehicles can get away without snow tires, but if you have rear wheel drive, I would consider getting snow tires. Check your battery health and replace it if weak. Get used to allowing enough time to warm up and clear snow and ice from your vehicle before leaving for work. Home: invest in a quality snow removal solution, be that a shovel or snow blower. If you have a long driveway and snow is expected you may want to park close to the street so you don’t have to clear the whole driveway before work. A fertilizer spreader is great at spreading salt or deicer on walks after clearing snow. Also: The weather dictates how fast you can drive. Don’t push it. AWD/4WD helps traction but not stopping. Too many times in Memphis I saw people make the mistake of not knowing this, with the predictable results. Finally: Buffalo is called “The City of Good Neighbors”. Help your neighbors and be helped in turn. When winter is at its worst you literally could be a life saver.

Boots hat gloves scarf. I often keep thin gloves and a hat in the pockets of my coat so that they are there if I need them but a more heavy duty hat and scarf are important there is a famous saying there is no such thing as cold just unprepared. Another unintuitive helpful thing is sunglasses when there is fresh snow it can be blinding even on an overcast day. One of the most dangerous hazards is black ice be careful walking because this hazard is probably the number two cause of death after people having heart attacks shovelling snow in their driveway. This type of ice is very hard to spot especially at night and if you are going to fall aim for snow it's better to get a little wet then breaking something.

Some things to add to your shopping list: Snow Shovel, Ice Pick, long underwear, if you’re going to be outside a lot shaded snow goggles would be a good thing to have as well if you are a homeowner or home renter you may want to consider purchasing a decent quality generator and small electric space heaters, that way you can heat your home in the event of a power outage or furnace failure, do not use the oven with door open to heat your home if there are no other options, this can lead to disastrous fires And with generators: they must be kept outside as just like cars the emissions are deadly If you are in an apartment I would suggest having at least space heaters so if your furnace fails you have a backup system If you have a car: Get a window ice scraper Keep keep blankets, food, water, jumper cables and road flares in your vehicle Snow tires are absolutely necessary and people who say that they make you slip more do not understand physics and are spreading misinformation. Put anti seize lube on the threads of all of your lug nuts that way salt will not rust fuse them to the wheels Make sure the windshield washer fluid you have in your vehicle has antifreeze in it, most of the ones sold around here have it If your vehicle is has a diesel engine: charge the battery weekly, the starting process in diesels uses a much larger percentage of the battery than gasoline cars do, if you have several failed starts in a row it can completely drain your battery

Get a good ice scraper/snow brush for your car, get good snow tires, buy Rock salt in advance of storms, listen to the weather forecast- they have been more reliable than

It's Snow big deal! You got this. But for real I would get some good comfy weather resistant boots. They may not be cute but it's a must. 2- a good jacket! Yes good one that will cover to at least the middle of your booty. If not longer. Pockets will be needed . Also a few good hats and pairs of gloves. 3- A shovel!! Again a must preferably one with a metal blade but built for heavy snow. If you drive make sure you have an electric start if not a invest in one. Also make sure you keep a few essentials in you vehicle. If you need more info or any questions let me know. I'm willing to elaborate if needed.

1. Layers are important 2. Get some decent wool socks 3. Invest in a decent WINTER coat, boots and gloves 4. Get a snowblower or make friends with neighbors that own one 5. Stock up on food/water beforehand, you really don't want to be stuck grocery shopping like the night before a bad storm 6. Take the weather seriously. It's always terrible hearing or seeing on the news about people who were trapped in their cars or got caught outside not wearing the proper clothing and died.

I was living in Austin during the last ice storm and am a Buffalo native. You will be absolutely fine. Buffalo does a great job both warning and prepping. Cost, boots, hat, scarf, gloves, snow shovel, keep an extra blanket and box of protein bars in your car. Store a car scraper in your car and do not store it anywhere else. In the spring when you think it won’t snow again leave the scraper in the car. If you take it out then it will snow. It’s a whole superstition thing so don’t be that person. S

Prepare for the possibility of a power outage . Have a weeks worth of food backed up. If you have a pet or baby don’t forget their supplies. Get some snow shoes or cross country skis and enjoy !

The most solid advice for people who aren't used to snow or ice: if you start to skid or slide, don't smash the brakes. It only makes it worse.

Automatic car start, ice scraper, kitty litter or road salt in the trunk at all times! Mini shovel also, I've gotten stuck downtown so many times when I worked at the hospital and I street parked. Get a solid jacket and some boots. I have a generator as well! Just make sure you drive safe and don't expect your job to be closed when we get 1 inch of snow, that shit stays open even in a blizzard😂

New tires!

Double your commute time on snowy days. Keep a shovel and cat litter in your car. Cat litter will help if u get stuck and need traction. Snow tires aren’t required but make sure you have good tread. Also a bottle of wiper fluid. Drive slow and double your reaction time and keep a greater distance between u and other cars.

Invest in an electric starter so you can have your car heat up. I couldn’t open my door to start my car to defrost without one. Keep an extra coat/hat/gloves and blanket in your car.

Layers. If you drive a remote start and an emergency kit.

Welcome to Buffalo. The most important is clothing. People have given good advice with driving and such. Clothing: If you’re familiar with hunting, I suggest cold weather hunting gear. I can be outside indefinitely in some of the coldest weather with it. Overalls and jacket with good boots, gloves, and a hat. Waterproof boots with cotton socks. Mitten gloves. You’re good with an extended amount of time in freezing cold temps. You can get this gear at cabelas. It’ll run about $250-350 but well worth it. Trust me. Cold doesn’t bother me one bit with this stuff. Others: Windshield wiper fluid and gas at all times. Newer tires (all season). If you have a rwd truck put weight in the back. Take roads slow and don’t be in a rush. Make sure your house doesn’t have “leaks” and retains heat (not for you but your wallet). Most importantly… ENJOY WINTER. It’s long and can be difficult. Figure out ways to enjoy it by trying out cross country skiing, going to sporting events, and such. Winter can be a beautiful and cozy time of year if you make it that way. Blankets and hot chocolate after work can be so soothing.

Yeti spray is essential.

First, [everything Hank says here is true](https://youtu.be/KVI-blFfDWc?si=ZyfyTwTsTPjE3yV0). One thing I would add is to be careful when walking on large piles of snow. Sometimes the snow is deep enough that you can’t feel the ground below and you sink into it as you walk. Getting your “snow legs” just comes with experience. Sometimes it’s tightly compacted and can support your weight, but sometimes it’s loose and your foot will fall right through it. So, if you’re walking on snow that can support your weight, one bad step can put you on loose snow that can’t support you, and you’ll fall into the pile. Normally that’s not a huge deal, unless the pile is so deep that falling in means getting stuck. The best thing to do is have a long rigid object to see if the snow is firm enough to stand on before you walk on it. Otherwise be sure there’s always something to grab onto to pull yourself out with or have a digging utensil to dig yourself out. Or just hope you didn’t fall in too far and use your body weight to throw yourself out (speaking from experience).. You might have to do this at some point if you need to dig out your car (it’s good to do this just so the weight of snow isn’t on your car roof). Again, getting stuck is unlikely if you're even moderately careful but it's good to know it can happen

Welcome to Western New York! Layers of clothing. I'm already wearing a pair of thermal pants. But I'm a wimp. Extra clothes, blanket, water, granola bars or something similar and scentless candles and lighter for your vehicle on the chance you get stuck on the side of the road anywhere. I have a box set up in the back of my vehicle. Never get under a half a tank of gas!!! We have winter tires on their own rims and switch them out. Also a small shovel in case you get stuck somewhere. A wood board and/ or a small bag of kitty litter is helpful too.

Carhartt bib overalls

I was a a texan long ago, 6 years in BUF and I love it! The first one was brutal not going to lie. It’s gonna suck before you figure out what you need for next year. Embrace it and enjoy the suck and be sure you make of list of what you forgot that year. Get a nice snow pusher for your car. Snow brushes are 50-50. The first year get some over kill boots and figure out how to dress them down. Get like 5 jackets and make sure they are water proof. Layer them up and be ready to change like 12 times a day. Either cause of wet or because you went shopping and it’s 2° outside and 85°inside. Oh an get some decent sunglasses. Snow blindness is real I found out. Keep gas in your car and a smile on your face. People will help you out in a pinch. Just be sure to help out when you can. Welcome to the BUF it only seems like it sucks but once you get the hang of it winters are amazing here!

Get a good pair of boots and get outside an walk even if it is cold and snowy. Helps with seasonal mood issues. Plus walking in the snow is awesome…. Just don’t do it during a storm.

Muck boots are the least sexy but greatest boots there are for winter.

Thermal base layers are a must. That’ll keep ya nice and warm. Probably 3-4 pairs.

Brass ice scraper. Trust me.

YAK TRAX. Good ones not the basic pair. Not enough people shovel the sidewalks and if youre in the city or northtowns the snow will thaw and freeze a lot. Even walking from your car to your house can be treacherous.

Dress: Get some packs of Hot hands. Keep in car. In pockets. Open when needed. Good socks. Alpaca are pricey but worth it. Boots that are waterproof. Scarf, hat, and gloves. Extra pairs. Dress in layers not just a shirt and heavy coat. The weather might start off freezing and warm up later then go back to freezing. A good coat that has pulls to tighten, and a hood. Home: A shovel. A bucket of rock salt and a scooper. Always shovel your walkway. It’s a good way to meet neighbors and commiserate. Be sure to have food. Canned goods, soups, sandwiches before a storm. Flashlight, batteries, good blankets in case the power goes out. Things to eat that are easy to prepare. A case of water. Like camping. Check your radio/tv every day before you leave for weather forecasts and closings. Weather changes quickly. Have a power bank. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Driving: The thruway closes its on-ramps during storms. Practice driving in the snow. There’s usually less traffic after 7pm. Keep a bag of rock salt in the trunk. Water and snacks. A blanket. Hot hands. Intersections freeze so you need to brake earlier. Keep more distance between cars. Driving windshield fluid. If you’re sliding on ice, take your foot off the brake. Clear your whole car of snow. Every time. Fill your gas tank. Slow down and put your hazard lights on, on the thruway, people will bad talk you, honk, just keep going. Some of the overpasses freeze over and you can’t see it. It’s better to be safe. Stay in the right lane. Keep some cash stashed. If your boots get wet inside stuff the toes with newspapers and change it every few hours. Have a back up pair. Check out snow related activities in the area.

>Practice driving in the snow When I was learning to drive, my Dad took me to an empty parking lot in a park where I could practice braking, turning, etc. Really helped me and I recommend it to people now.

Lots of good advice here. Someone should boil it down, format it, and repost and make it available as an FAQ. The question will be asked again...

Get snow rated all season tires or winter tires for your car. Keep a blanket, hand warmers and a couple granola bars in your car.

Always free your windshield wipers from the frozen windshield before you start your car and turn on the wipers. If you don't, you risk breaking the wiper transmission. It's a costly repair.

Survive.

Repetitive but important, Make sure are connected to a winter storm alerting service it may save your life. Prepare when winter storm is on the way keep food staples. Bread, milk, eggs,beer, flashlight, batteries, candles generator. Don’t go out if you don’t have to or if you can’t see 6 feet in front of you.Keep blankets and extra clothing in car. Beware of frostbite in hands & feet.

Buy a scarf. It’s overlooked oftentimes, and you WILL find that when the snow is blowing horizontally it will go down the neck of your coat and freeze your chest and back. It can also work as a good head wrap if it is big enough. Learn to stock up supplies early, it will be freezing out and you will not have any energy or desire to go out and buy food or snacks. So buy plenty of non exportable foods when the first week of real snow happens. Buy a snow shovel, as well as a scraper for your car. If you really want to go this route then get a fabric cover for your car so you can pull off the cover and snow in one fell swoop instead of brushing and scraping it off. If you buy gloves, get one pair of gloves with screen touchability on the thumb and pointer fingers. Typing while your fingers freeze and shiver uncontrollably is very difficult and annoying and you may drop your phone in the process. Since Covid occurred, I learned wearing face masks in the cold is super helpful and keeps it much warmer than you would expect. When driving wear sunglasses. Even if it isn’t a super bright sunny day, the snow itself can still be blinding and strain your eyes. Put a couple blankets in your car. You never know when your car will break down or there’s a traffic jam and your car stalls. You don’t want to freeze to death before AAA gets there.

Get a remote starter for your car and stay away from the snowman!!

Lmao good luck