Man, the weather in Western New York just doesn't quit. If you were trying to get anywhere near Buffalo or Erie County this afternoon, you probably spent more time looking at brake lights than actual road. Basically, a massive winter storm turned the I-90 into a skating rink, leading to a serious used tractor trailer accident on NYS Thruway today that basically paralyzed westbound travel for hours.
It wasn't just one crash, either. According to the New York State Police, Troopers from Troop T had their hands full near Exit 57A in the town of Evans. Around mid-afternoon, the lake-effect snow started coming down so hard that visibility dropped to near zero. Honestly, even for people who grew up driving in this stuff, it was a total mess.
The Chaos Near Exit 57A
State Police reported that they were actually juggling three separate scenes at once in that same stretch. The big one? A collision involving two tractor-trailers. When those massive rigs lose traction, there’s really nowhere for anyone else to go.
While the cleanup crews were trying to figure that mess out, another five-car pileup happened nearby. To top it all off, a third accident involved yet another tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle. It’s the kind of chain reaction that happens when you mix heavy commercial freight with 13 inches of fresh powder and black ice.
Injuries and Hospital Transfers
The good news—if you can call it that—is that it looks like everyone is going to be okay. Two people were taken to local hospitals, but their injuries are being reported as non-life-threatening. When you see a used tractor trailer crumpled up next to a sedan, you usually expect the worst, so the fact that there weren't fatalities here is a bit of a miracle.
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Traffic was a different story. The State Police had to block all westbound lanes and divert everyone off at Exit 57. If you were stuck in that line, you probably felt like you were parked in the middle of a snowy field.
Why This Stretch of I-90 is So Dangerous
The New York State Thruway Authority usually does a decent job with the plows, but Exit 57A is right in that "snow belt" where the wind coming off Lake Erie just hammers the pavement. It’s not just about the snow; it’s the suddenness of it. One minute you’re doing 65 mph with decent visibility, and the next, you're in a whiteout.
Used tractor trailers—especially those carrying lighter loads or empty "deadheading" trailers—are notoriously hard to handle in high winds and slick conditions. They tend to jackknife, which is exactly what shuts down the highway.
- Lake Effect Snow: It creates localized "walls" of snow.
- Heavy Commercial Volume: The I-90 is the main artery for freight between the East Coast and the Midwest.
- Bridges and Overpasses: These freeze way faster than the regular road surface, catching drivers off guard.
Other Messes Across the Region
It wasn't just the Thruway feeling the pain today, January 16, 2026. Further east on I-81 in LaFayette, there was a massive 30-vehicle pileup. That one also involved three tractor-trailers and left seven people injured. It seems like the entire state's highway system just hit a breaking point this afternoon.
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Even the Berkshire Connector and parts of I-87 near the Mid-Hudson region saw maintenance closures and minor fender benders. But the Exit 57A incident was the one that really choked the life out of the Friday commute.
What to Do if You're Caught in a Thruway Shutdown
If you find yourself staring at the back of a trailer for three hours, there are a few things that actually matter. First, don't leave your car. It sounds obvious, but people get restless and try to walk to the nearest exit. In a whiteout, that’s a death wish.
Also, keep your tailpipe clear of snow if you’re idling. Carbon monoxide is a real threat when the drifts start piling up around your bumper.
Navigating the Aftermath
By now, the Thruway Authority has likely moved the wreckage to the shoulder, but the "residual delays" are the real killer. Even after the lanes open, the backlog of trucks usually takes hours to clear out. If you're heading toward the Pennsylvania state line, you might want to consider Route 5 or 20, though honestly, those aren't much better when the weather is this bad.
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Check the 511NY app before you even put your keys in the ignition. It’s the only way to get real-time updates that aren't just "it's snowing." You can see the actual traffic camera feeds to decide if it's worth the risk.
Actionable Steps for Drivers
- Check the Cargo: if you're a fleet manager, ensure your drivers are aware of the "empty trailer" bans that New York often puts in place during these storms.
- Give 'Em Space: Tractor trailers need about three times the stopping distance of a car on dry pavement. On ice? It’s basically "hope for the best." Give them at least 10 car lengths.
- Lights On: Your DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) usually don't turn on your tail lights. Manually turn your lights to "On" so the guy behind you doesn't plow into your trunk.
- Emergency Kit Check: If you don't have a blanket, a shovel, and some extra water in your trunk by January in New York, you're asking for trouble.
The used tractor trailer accident on NYS Thruway today serves as a pretty grim reminder that the I-90 doesn't care about your Friday night plans. Stay safe out there, keep your speed down, and maybe just stay home if the sky looks like a blank sheet of paper.
For the most current lane opening times and detour routes, keep an eye on the NYS Thruway Authority's official Twitter/X feed or the 511NY portal, as conditions are still shifting by the hour.