New York counties declare state of emergency as they prepare for massive snowstorm

Authorities in upstate New York counties have declared a state of emergency as they prepare for a major snowstorm that has already dumped more than two feet of snow across the Midwest and should accumulate more this weekend.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday morning that 11 counties, including Erie County that includes Buffalo, were under a state of emergency and many neighborhoods have already experienced significant snowfall.

Lake-effect snow will continue through Monday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring early Sunday morning, and an additional period of heavy snowfall late Sunday night into Monday morning, according to the Lake Effect office. governor. The highest snow totals this weekend are expected around Watertown, NY, where 3 to 5 feet of snow is forecast.

“My administration is working around the clock with our state agencies and more than 100 National Guard members on the ground to support local communities,” Hochul said.

Travel advisories have been issued for Jefferson and Lewis counties and parts of Erie County.

The state Department of Transportation has banned empty and tandem utility vehicles on I-86, from the Pennsylvania state line to I-390, and on State Route 219, from the Pennsylvania state line. State of Pennsylvania at I-90.

In addition to National Guard members, Hochul said additional personnel have been deployed to help deal with possible traffic and electrical emergencies.

Lake effect snow is common at this time of year as colder air moves over relatively warm lake waters, resulting in extremely localized bands of heavy snowfall for a prolonged period of time.

Counties in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania have seen massive snowfall since Friday.

Gaylord, Michigan, picked up 24.8 inches of snow Friday, marking its snowiest single calendar day on record and breaking its previous record of 17 inches on March 9, 1942.