Northern and Western Allegany County face potential impact
More Than 100 National Guard Members Staged in Western New York
From the Office of NY Governor Kathy Hochul.
Beginning at 3 p.m. Today, Empty and Tandem Commercial Vehicle Bans in Effect on I-86 from the Pennsylvania State Line to I-390, NYS Thruway (I-90) From Exit 53 to the Pennsylvania State Line and State Route 219 from the Pennsylvania State Line to I-90
Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare as a significant lake effect snow moves into communities east of Lakes Erie and Ontario with the potential for multiple feet of snow. Lake Effect Snow Warnings for a long duration event are now in effect through Monday for portions of Western New York, Central New York and the North Country. The heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur Friday evening through Saturday morning, particularly in the higher elevations in the Western New York and North Country Regions, with an additional period of heavy snow possible on Sunday.
“As lake effect snow moves into parts of Western New York, Central New York and the North Country, we are monitoring the situation closely and mobilizing resources to respond,” Governor Hochul said. “Alongside our partners in local government, we are taking every step necessary to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
Affected regions should expect snowfall rates of two to four inches per hour. Peak snowfall amounts of three to four feet are expected along Lake Erie, especially western Chautauqua and southern Erie Counties. Snow is forecast to fall steadily all weekend, including before, during and after the Bills game on Sunday. Four to five feet of snow is anticipated along eastern Lake Ontario with a possibility for up to six feet in the Watertown area. Lake effect snow showers are expected to stay in the North Country Sunday, with Central New York remaining mostly dry until Sunday evening where the band is expected to move south and remain through Monday providing additional light accumulations of one to three inches through the Central New York region.
Hazardous to impossible travel conditions are expected on Friday through Monday due to snow covered roads and reduced visibilities. Wind gusts will likely cause blowing and drifting snow, and isolated power outages. Snow will accumulate rapidly in persistent snow bands, and visibility will be drastically reduced with near whiteout conditions.
