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Snowstorm triggers state of emergency for parts of New York. How much snow is expected?
Snowiest cities in America: Western New York reigns
Explore why Western New York cities like Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo are among the snowiest in America, thanks to the powerful lake-effect snow phenomenon.
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
New York. Gov Kathy Hochul announced the state of emergency Thursday night, as well as numerous road restrictions. Here’s more:
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.
State Department of Transportation officials also banned tandem and empty tractor-trailers on the following roads in western New York:
- NY Route 5 from NY 179 to I-190 (Erie County)
- US 219 from I-90 to I-86 (Erie and Cattaraugus Counties)
- NY Route 400 from I-90 to NY 16 (Erie County)
- I-86 from US 219 to PA Line (Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties)
Lake effect snow warnings in effect for NY
Lake effect snow warnings are in effect through Friday in several counties east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Residents should prepare for significant snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions, according to the Weather Service.
Counties south of Buffalo – Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, southern Erie and Wyoming counties – are expected to see 2 to 3 feet of snow by midday Friday, according to the Weather Service. And Owego, Jefferson and Lewis counties are predicted to see 2 to 3 feet of snow through Friday evening.
As of 3 a.m., more than six inches of snow was on the ground in Hamburg, Erie County, according to the Weather Service. Further snow totals were not yet available. But “it is very much snowing,” said Weather Service Meteorologist Liz Jurkowski.
Parts of Erie and Genesee county are predicted to see 10 to 20 inches by midday Friday.
All area are expected to see wind gusts up to 40 mph, which will create hazardous travel conditions with blowing and drifting snow.
Winter weather advisories issued in New York
The Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for several other counties in upstate New York, including Livingston County – where 4 to 7 inches of snow is expected by early Friday morning. Up to 6 inches of snow is predicted in Ontario County as well.
Snow forecast map: See snowfall projections by day
The map below shows the probability that an area could receive more than 4 inches of snow in the U.S. See New York projections. Use the slider at the top left to toggle by day.
Weather warnings and watches around New York and the U.S.
National Weather Service radar: Track the storm
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Massive Storm Creates Multiple Travel Bans In Western New York
