N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul issues warning for several feet of lake effect snow upstate

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.—With several feet of lake effect snow predicted upstate this week, Governor Kathy Hochul is warning New Yorkers to be cautious.

Hochul released the information on Sunday, alerting people to the significant snowfall that is predicted to affect areas upstate through Wednesday.

According to Hochul, we are keeping a careful eye on the lake effect snow system that is passing through several areas of our state and are taking all necessary precautions to be ready. As conditions worsen, we will continue to deploy resources to safeguard New Yorkers, and I urge everyone to stay vigilant, avoid needless travel, and follow local predictions.

This weather system is expected to bring up to 18 inches of snow to the Finger Lakes, North Country, central New York, and western New York. Up to two feet of snow could fall by the weekend in areas east of Lake Ontario. The areas with the most snowfall will be those south of Buffalo and Watertown.

Hochul claims that Tuesday could see the strongest wind gusts, which could result in blowing and drifting snow and a whiteout.

Upstate New York residents are advised to avoid needless driving and to be ready for the potential of near-whiteout conditions and fallen tree branches.

Northern Ontario is under a lake effect snow warning through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A winter storm warning was also issued for eastern New York, and it will be in force for the same amount of time.

more weather stories

• La Ni a is finally here: What this weather event means for winter in the U.S.

• N.Y. weather: Shift in January forecast shows change in NYC temperature, precipitation outlook