N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul issues warning with multiple feet of lake effect snow in forecast upstate

With several feet of lake effect snow predicted for the coming weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul is warning New Yorkers to be cautious.

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

Hochul stated, “I have mobilized our State resources in anticipation of heavy snowfall and strong winds as the first lake effect storm of the new year moves in.” I urge everyone to remain vigilant and keep an eye on their local forecast, as we are closely collaborating with our local partners.

Up to four feet of snow is expected to fall on parts of northern Cayuga, northern Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. By the weekend, the Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Western and Central New York could get two feet or more of snow.

The National Weather Service stated that as of 7 a.m. Thursday, there was 8.1 inches of snow on the ground in Cattaraugus, a village south of Buffalo and east of Lake Erie.

Hochul’s office predicts that the brunt of the snow will last over the weekend starting on Friday. Along with the volume of snow, high wind speeds of 45 mph are predicted to continue into Thursday night.

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

For portions of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country, the National Weather Service has issued a lake effect snow warning through the weekend. A snow storm warning was also issued for North Country, and it will be in force until Friday.