New York Governor Kathy Hochul has provided an update on state preparations as lake effect snow is expected to impact regions east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario starting Sunday and continuing through at least Tuesday night. The storm system could bring up to five inches of snow to the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island areas on Sunday. Heavier snowfall is forecast for Monday, with up to three feet possible in areas off Lake Ontario such as the Tug Hill Plateau, and up to one and a half feet for locations south of Buffalo including Chautauqua Ridge.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York is prepared, and we are urging everyone in the affected regions to take this storm seriously. Heavy lake effect snow, dangerous winds, and bitter cold will make travel hazardous and could lead to power outages. State agencies are mobilized and ready, but the safest choice is to limit travel when possible, make sure you have supplies on hand, check on vulnerable neighbors, and stay informed as conditions continue to change through Tuesday. If you must be out, leave yourself extra travel time and use caution.”
Forecasts indicate that northern Oswego, western Lewis, southern Jefferson counties near Lake Ontario could see peak snowfall rates over four inches per hour with totals potentially reaching two feet by Tuesday. For areas off Lake Erie such as southern Erie County or northern Chautauqua County, localized accumulations may reach ten inches with snowfall rates peaking at two inches per hour.
State officials warn that strong winds combined with heavy snow will create hazardous driving conditions due to blowing snow and low visibility. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm period. Those who must drive should carry emergency supplies like blankets and water in their vehicles.
In addition to the risk from snow and wind, temperatures are expected to fall below zero between Monday night and Wednesday. This raises concerns about power outages impacting heating needs across affected communities.
The state’s Code Blue policy requires local social services districts to ensure shelter access for homeless individuals whenever temperatures or wind chills drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Agencies across New York have activated their response plans:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management is coordinating with local agencies and monitoring impacts.
– The Department of Transportation has mobilized nearly 3,700 supervisors/operators statewide along with over 1,600 large plow trucks ready for deployment.
– The Thruway Authority has 687 staff members available along with more than 340 plow trucks; motorists are reminded that plows operate at reduced speeds for safety.
– Utilities have approximately 5,500 workers prepared for damage assessment or repairs should outages occur.
– State Police troopers are coordinating responses across all regions.
– The Department of Environmental Conservation advises proper disposal of removed snow away from waterways to prevent flooding or pollution risks.
– Park Police are monitoring weather conditions in state parks; visitors can check updates via parks.ny.gov or mobile apps.
Residents are encouraged to enable government emergency alerts on their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111 for real-time notifications.
Safety guidance includes limiting outdoor work during extreme cold—employers should provide frequent warm breaks—and ensuring appropriate winter clothing is worn. Hikers in backcountry areas like the Adirondacks or Catskills should plan accordingly given variable trail conditions.
Power outage safety reminders include avoiding downed lines—which should always be considered live—and unplugging appliances during restoration efforts. Utility contact numbers were provided for reporting electric outages across service providers throughout New York State.
For further safety information regarding winter storms—including tips on driving safely around snowplows—residents can visit www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.
