A state of emergency is in effect for at least a dozen counties in New York set to be pummeled with up to three feet of lake effect snow through Friday.
How much snow will New York get?
Two to three feet of snow are expected in several counties just east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario through Friday, while 10-20 inches of snow is predicted in the Buffalo area, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo . Other parts of western New York and the Finger Lakes region are expected to see up to 7 inches of snow in the same timeframe.
Heavy rain is expected in eastern New York – including the Hudson Valley , New York City and Long Island. Strong wind gusts are also expected and could surpass 50 mph in some spots and could create hazardous travel conditions.
State of Emergency issued in New York in advance of winter storm
The state of emergency covers Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Wyoming and contiguous counties.
“As winter weather bears down on our State, I am declaring a State of Emergency so our communities have the resources they need to stay safe,” Governor Hochul said. “We are deploying resources and working alongside our partners in government as we prepare for every possibility — I encourage all New Yorkers to stay alert, stay off the roads if possible, and keep in contact with family and friends as we move through the next 48 hours.”
NY Thruway ban during snowstorm
State officials issued several road restrictions due to the pending snowfall. Among them, the New York State Thruway Authority implemented a ban on tandem and empty tractor-trailers in both directions on the Thruway (Interstate-90) between Exit 53 (Buffalo/Interstate 190) and the Pennsylvania state line until further notice…