New York Governor Kathy Hochul has advised residents to exercise caution as severe winter weather and lake effect snow continue to affect the state during the New Year’s holiday period. The governor emphasized that hazardous driving conditions remain a concern, particularly in Western New York, Central New York, and the North Country.
“As New Yorkers make plans to ring in the New Year, I urge everyone to use caution, prioritize safety and avoid any unnecessary travel in areas experiencing heavy snow and winter storms,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration, emergency management teams, and plow and utility crews continue to actively respond to the ongoing winter weather to keep New Yorkers safe, and we stand ready to assist impacted communities over the holiday.”
Forecasts indicate that areas south of Buffalo could receive up to three feet of additional lake effect snow through Saturday. In some locations, snowfall rates may reach up to two or three inches per hour. Central New York is also expected to see significant snowfall off Lake Ontario, with heavy bands impacting regions such as Syracuse and potentially extending into the Mohawk Valley.
A separate weather system is expected on New Year’s Eve across other parts of the state, bringing lighter accumulations but still posing risks due to blowing snow from winds of 20-25 mph. Cold air moving in on Friday may further intensify lake effect bands.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings and advisories for affected regions. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and check for updates at the National Weather Service website (https://www.weather.gov/).
State agencies have taken several measures in response:
– The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is coordinating with local partners and monitoring impacts statewide.
– The Department of Transportation has deployed more than 3,600 operators and supervisors statewide. Staff from less affected areas have been sent to support operations in Western New York.
– Equipment such as large plow trucks, loaders, tow plows, and snow blowers are being used around-the-clock for cleanup efforts.
– The Thruway Authority has shifted equipment between divisions as needed and uses variable message signs along with social media channels like X (formerly Twitter) (https://twitter.com/ThruwayTraffic) for updates.
– The Department of Public Service is overseeing utility companies’ preparedness; more than 7,700 workers are available for restoration efforts if outages occur. Mutual aid workers have been secured by utilities for areas expecting significant impact.
– National Grid will distribute dry ice and bottled water at designated locations in Erie County (Buffalo), Niagara County (Niagara Falls), and Genesee County (Batavia).
– State Police troopers are standing by across all regions for emergencies or motorist assistance.
– Environmental Conservation officials remind those involved in snow removal not to dispose of snow in waterways due to flooding risks.
– State Park Police are preparing equipment for storm response; park visitors should check park status before visiting.
Residents planning outdoor activities are urged to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions—especially hikers venturing into high-elevation trails or crossing rivers during storms—and review ice safety guidelines.
Motorists are reminded that most accidents during winter storms result from transportation incidents. Drivers should clear their vehicles of ice/snow before travel, maintain extra distance between cars, match speed with road conditions, avoid passing snowplows—which often operate below posted speed limits—and stay well behind them where roads have been cleared.
For power outages or downed lines, residents should avoid contact with wires or anything touching them; report outages directly to their utility provider using published numbers.
Further safety tips can be found at www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.