A State of Emergency has been declared for 11 counties across New York as four feet of snow is expected in the Buffalo area and two feet of snow in the Watertown area. As a result, the New York State Thruway from Rochester to the Pennsylvania state line will be closed to commercial traffic and possibly to all traffic.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared the State of Emergency today as a winter storm is forecast to produce intense lake effect snow through Sunday. The most significant snowfall is expected tonight and tomorrow. Snowfall rates may reach 3″ or more per hour.
Hazardous travel conditions and power outages are likely across those areas due to the combination of snow and wind in the forecast.
Thunder and lightning may occur in the heavier, more intense snow bands.
Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel into the Buffalo or Watertown areas tonight and tomorrow.
The State of Emergency applies to the following counties, as well as contiguous counties: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming.
Hochul quickly patted herself on the back for the move. “We all have to do our part to make sure that everyone stays safe during this winter storm — that’s why I have declared a State of Emergency for impacted counties, which will free up resources and boost our readiness,” she gushed.
