N.Y. Gov. Hochul declares state of emergency upstate for several feet of lake effect snow

STATETEN ISLAND With several feet of lake effect snow predicted for Monday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed a state of emergency for over a dozen counties.

Areas east of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are expected to experience high wind gusts of up to 30 mph along with snowfall rates of one to two inches per hour in the hardest bands from Monday through Wednesday.

In South Buffalo and other southern regions, one to two feet of snow is predicted off Lake Erie; up to a foot may fall in Downtown Buffalo. In the meantime, two to three feet of snow are predicted for the Watertown region, which is located east of Lake Ontario.

In order to guarantee that state resources are available to support local communities as we collaborate to keep New Yorkers safe throughout the storm, Hochul declared a State of Emergency for the areas where lake effect snow is falling. I urge all New Yorkers to keep an eye on their local forecast and take preventative measures to keep themselves and their family safe, as we continue to cope with extreme cold, which presents an extraordinary risk to anyone exposed to the elements or unable to effectively heat their home.

It is anticipated that lake effect snow would last until Wednesday morning.Communities around Lake Ontario could receive up to three feet of snow, while Western New York might receive up to two feet, prompting @govkathyhochul to announce a state of emergency.Read More at: https://t.co/zO4EujXjFNpic.twitter.com/fFIgWF52DY

Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Oneida, and neighboring counties are all included under the State of Emergency.

State representatives can collaborate and exchange resources with local authorities impacted by the lake effect snow thanks to the proclamation. Among those who will offer extra support outside the scope of current shared service agreements is the State Department of Transportation.

Up to a foot of snow has already fallen in some places as of Tuesday morning. Most significantly, Jefferson County’s town of Adams reports accumulations of about 20 inches. As of Tuesday morning, 17 inches of snow had fallen in the vicinity of West Falls, which is located just south of Buffalo.

Today was extremely cold, with wind chills as low as 10 to 20 degrees below zero, and there was lake effect snow.5o4Huz6HXv #NYwxpic.twitter.com

People who live in these target locations east of the Great Lakes in New York should brace themselves for more accumulation in the coming hours. On top of the snow that has already fallen, the National Weather Service predicts that by Tuesday night, some cities may receive up to two feet more.

When all is said and done on Wednesday, up to 25 inches of snow could fall on Watertown and the surrounding areas.

Hochul is alerting locals of the winter’s lowest temperatures, which are predicted to last until Wednesday, in addition to the significant snowfall. It feels as though the state’s temperatures may vary from 0 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

The weather service has issued a cold weather advisory for the majority of New York due to the perilous conditions caused by these freezing wind chills.