Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, has urged New Yorkers to get ready for a lake effect weather system that is expected to cause more than twelve inches of snow near Lakes Ontario and Erie from Monday into Tuesday evening. Across areas near Lake Erie, a widespread 6-12 inches of snow is predicted to start Monday morning in locations south of Buffalo, with the potential for up to 18 inches in certain parts of southern Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. For areas near Lake Ontario, starting on Monday afternoon, a widespread 6-12 inches of snow is projected in areas east of the lake, with up to two feet possible in the Tug Hill area. Snowfall rates could reach up to three inches per hour in the heaviest areas, with wind gusts up to 35 mph possible in these locations through Tuesday. The rest of Western New York, including the City of Buffalo, and the Finger Lakes regions can expect up to six inches of snow in some areas.
New Yorkers are advised to exercise extra caution when traveling in affected areas, especially during commuting times, as weather conditions are likely to cause blowing snow and reduce visibility on roads. Governor Hochul stated, “The most hazardous weather conditions will be in the areas where lake effect snow bands form and produce a lot of snow in a short period, which will hamper travel in some places for the next day or so.” She added, “There is still some uncertainty where and when snow bands will form and the heaviest snow will fall, so use extra caution when traveling and stay on top of the forecast throughout this event so you can plan your travel and other activities accordingly. My team will monitor this weather system and its impacts throughout this event and are ready to assist partners at the local level as needed.”
A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect Monday through late Tuesday night for southern Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. A Winter Storm Watch for possible heavy lake effect snow is also in effect Monday afternoon through late Tuesday night for northern Oneida, northern Herkimer, and Hamilton counties.
For more safety tips and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov and subscribe to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov.
Additionally, specific preparations and emergency response measures are being taken by various New York state agencies. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will facilitate requests for assistance and has several assets prepared for urgent supply and distribution, including generators, chainsaws, portable heaters, MREs, and water supplies. The State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority are also standing ready to respond, with snowplows, loaders, and salt supplies prepped and available. Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service have workers on standby for repair and restoration efforts, and the New York State Police, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation have staff and resources ready for any emergency response needs. Safety tips for travel and power outages due to possible heating problems have also been issued.