UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just expanded the state of emergency to include the entire state due to an intense winter storm bringing hazardous lake-effect snow and high winds. This urgent declaration comes as conditions are expected to worsen, particularly in the Syracuse metro area, where whiteout conditions could pose serious travel risks.
The state of emergency was initially declared last Friday for more than half of New York’s counties but has now been broadened as forecasts predict severe weather continuing through at least Wednesday night. Winds reaching up to 70 mph have already been reported in Western New York, with strong gusts anticipated to persist into Tuesday morning.
Governor Hochul has urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant, advising, “Monitor local forecasts, avoid travel, and stay prepared.” She emphasized that emergency response teams are actively working to ensure public safety, stating, “Plow crews, emergency management teams, and utility personnel continue to work to keep New Yorkers safe, and we stand ready to deploy additional resources anywhere they are needed throughout the storm.”
For non-essential state employees residing or working in areas including Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Wyoming, Oswego, Cayuga, Onondaga, Cortland, Madison, Wayne, Jefferson, Lewis, and Oneida counties, telecommuting is being strongly recommended for Tuesday.
Snowfall rates are projected to dramatically increase, with the heaviest accumulations expected in the Chautauqua Ridge area, where totals could reach between two and three feet. Reports indicate that areas north of Buffalo may also see over a foot of snow, with localized rates exceeding 1.5 inches per hour.
Additionally, officials warn of shifting snow patterns from Lake Ontario that will soon impact the Syracuse region. The Tug Hill Plateau and surrounding areas could experience similar snowfall totals, creating hazardous conditions for residents and travelers alike.
As the storm progresses, over 7,500 utility workers are engaged in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts. Road closures are currently enforced in multiple locations, and an empty tractor-trailer ban is in effect on several major highways, including the Thruway.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. With conditions rapidly evolving, the urgency of this winter storm cannot be overstated. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
