N.Y. Gov. Hochul issues state of emergency amid upstate storm; 3 feet of snow possible

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for many upstate counties because of the winter weather.

Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Wyoming, and Contiguous counties were all placed under a state of emergency by the governor.

Hochul said on Wednesday, “I am announcing a state of emergency so our communities have the resources they need to stay safe as winter weather bears down on our state.” As we get ready for any scenario, we are allocating resources and cooperating with our government partners. As we proceed over the next 48 hours, I urge everyone in New York to remain vigilant, avoid driving if at all possible, and stay in touch with loved ones.

Much of Western New York and the North Country will continue to see lake effect snow today.To guarantee local access to more State resources, a State of Emergency is still in place for certain places.Keep an eye on local forecasts and be careful when you’re out. New YorkThis link: https://t.co/tweSkE46rw

Through Saturday, Hochul’s office predicts up to three feet of snow and wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph in areas east of Lakes Ontario and Erie. When combined, these regions may experience dangerous whiteout conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a lake effect snow warning for regions along the Great Lakes as of Thursday morning. The warning will be in force until Friday at 7 p.m.

Until further notice, the Thruway Authority is enforcing a prohibition on tandem and empty tractor trailers in both directions on the Thruway (I-90) between Exit 53 west and the Pennsylvania state line. Additionally, US 219 from I-90 to I-86 (Erie and Cattaraugus counties), NY Route 400 from I-90 to NY 16 (Erie County), I-86 from US 219 to PA Line (Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties), and NY Route 5 from NY 179 to I-190 (Erie County) are all prohibited from using tandem and empty trailers.

While snowfall is still falling heavily in some areas of the state, high wind speeds in other areas—including New York City—raise the possibility of power disruptions.

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