New York State Emergency Expands Amid Severe Winter Storm

UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just announced the expansion of a state of emergency across the entire state due to severe winter weather, including lake-effect snow and high winds. Originally declared on February 9, 2024, for over half the counties, this emergency response now includes all regions as hazardous travel conditions are predicted.

The governor warns of potentially dangerous travel with near whiteout conditions expected to persist, particularly in the Syracuse metro area on Tuesday. Winds have been reported as high as 70 mph in Western New York, with gusts anticipated to continue into Tuesday morning before tapering off by Wednesday.

In response to the worsening conditions, non-essential state employees residing or working in Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and other impacted counties are directed to telecommute where feasible.

“As winter storms continue to impact several regions across Upstate New York, my message to New Yorkers remains the same: monitor local forecasts, avoid travel, and stay prepared,” Hochul stated. She emphasized that plow crews, emergency management teams, and utility personnel are actively working to ensure safety and will deploy additional resources as needed.

Snowfall rates are expected to increase significantly, with some regions forecasted to receive between two and three feet of snow by Wednesday night, especially around the Chautauqua Ridge area. Officials anticipate snowfall rates may exceed 1.5 inches per hour and could reach as much as three inches in localized areas at times.

Lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario is also set to impact the Syracuse metro area starting overnight, with projections indicating similar snowfall totals. The state urges residents in the Tug Hill Plateau to prepare for heavy snow accumulation through Wednesday evening.

Currently, over 7,500 utility workers are engaged in damage assessment and restoration efforts across New York. Multiple road closures are in effect, particularly on major highways, with specific restrictions including an empty tractor trailer and tandem ban on state roadways.

Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as conditions evolve. For those in affected areas, the focus remains on safety and preparedness as New York braces for one of the most intense winter storms of the season.