Lake Effect Snow Warning

Snowflakes fall like nature's confetti: Lake Effect Snow Warning – embrace the beauty, heed the warning. Governor Hochul guides New Yorkers through the dance of Lake Effect Snow, where every snowflake tells a story of preparedness.

Prepare for a winter wonderland as Governor Kathy Hochul issues a Lake Effect Snow Warning for New Yorkers, anticipating over a foot of snow near Lakes Erie and Ontario. Stay informed about the expected impacts, travel advisories, and state agency preparedness to navigate this snowy forecast safely.

Preparing for the Impacts

Monday Through Tuesday

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to brace themselves for an impending lake effect snowstorm expected to bring over a foot of snow to areas near Lakes Erie and Ontario. The weather system is set to commence on Monday and persist through Tuesday evening, with the heaviest snowfall predicted in specific regions.

Snowfall Projections Areas

Areas Near Lakes Erie and Ontario

Lake Erie: Southern Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties can anticipate a widespread 6-12 inches of snow, with potential accumulations of up to 18 inches in some areas, beginning Monday morning.
Lake Ontario: East of the lake, a widespread 6-12 inches is expected, while the Tug Hill area may experience up to two feet of snow starting Monday afternoon.

Travel Advisory

Exercise Caution During Commuting Hours

New Yorkers are advised to exercise extra caution, especially during commuting hours, as the weather conditions are likely to cause blowing snow, potentially reducing visibility on the roads. Governor Hochul emphasizes the uncertainty regarding the formation and timing of snow bands, urging residents to stay informed about the evolving forecast.

Official Warnings and Alerts

A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect from Monday through late Tuesday night for southern Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Oswego, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. Additionally, a Winter Storm Watch for possible heavy lake effect snow is in effect for northern Oneida, northern Herkimer, and Hamilton counties.

State Agencies Preparedness

Ready to Respond

Several state agencies are actively monitoring and preparing for the weather event:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Equipped with generators, chainsaws, heaters, MREs, water, cots, and blankets for potential deployment.
Department of Transportation: Prepared with plow trucks, tow plows, loaders, and snow blowers, with real-time travel information available at 511ny.org.
Thruway Authority: Ready with operators, plow trucks, and over 130,000 tons of salt, encouraging motorists to use their mobile app for real-time traffic information.
Department of Public Service: Utility companies have over 5,500 workers statewide for repair and restoration efforts.
State Police: Monitoring weather conditions and ready to deploy additional troopers, with emergency power and communication equipment tested.
Department of Environmental Conservation: Emergency response assets are positioned to assist, emphasizing winter hiking safety.
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation: Park Police and personnel are on alert, with response equipment prepared for storm response.