Authorities say the shutdown on the New York State Thruway in suburban Buffalo has been extended to 16 miles (26 kilometres) of eastbound lanes, while a 10-mile (16-kilometre) westbound stretch remains closed after a lake-effect storm dumped up to 2 feet (61 centimetres) of snow on the area, stranding hundreds of motorists.

The Thruway Authority says eastbound Interstate 90 is now closed from Exit 57 to Exit 50. Earlier Thursday, the eastbound lanes were shut down between 55 and 50. The westbound lanes remain closed between those exits.

State police using all-terrain vehicles are checking on motorists who spent the night in their vehicles after getting stuck on the snowy highway when a jackknifed tractor-trailer blocked traffic late Wednesday.

(Source: Winnipeg Free Press)