State of emergency remains in effect for snow-covered counties

Tandem and empty trailer ban in both directions of NYS Thruway from Exit 53 West to Pennsylvania state line until further notice

√ Tandem and empty trailer ban in effect for US 219 from I-90 to I-86 and I-86 from US 219 to PA line; Route 5 from NY 179 to I-190 and NY Route 400 from I-90 to NY 16 closed to all traffic

√ Accumulation totals of 2 to 3 feet in some areas and snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour through this evening for areas east of Lake Erie; through Friday morning for areas east of Lake Ontario

√ Strong winds may cause whiteout conditions in lake-effect areas; motorists should take extra precautions during commutes

Information Provided by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul provided an update to New Yorkers on ongoing lake-effect snow in portions of the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country. Areas east of lakes Erie and Ontario could see peak snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour with snowfall totals of 2 to 3 feet over the course of the storm. New Yorkers in these areas should pay close attention to their local forecasts and avoid any unnecessary travel as the combination of snow and strong winds could create whiteout conditions.

“We are closely monitoring the ongoing lake-effect snow system moving through parts of our state, and a state of emergency remains in effect,” Hochul said. “We continue to deploy resources in order to protect New Yorkers as conditions worsen, and I implore everyone to keep track of local forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert.”

The state of emergency is in effect for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wyoming counties.

Lake-effect snow warnings remain in place for northern and southern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties. Winter weather advisories are in effect in Livingston and Ontario counties. A gale warning remains in effect for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario through the rest of today.

The Thruway Authority implemented a tandem and empty tractor trailer ban in both directions on the thruway (I-90) from Exit 53 (Buffalo (downtown) – Canada – Niagara Falls – I-190) west to the Pennsylvania state line until further notice. Additionally, the Department of Transportation implemented a tandem and empty trailer ban for US 219 from I-90 to I-86 (Erie and Cattaraugus counties) and I-86 from US 219 to PA line (Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties). Route 5 from NY 179 to I-190 (Erie County) and NY Route 400 from I-90 to NY 16 (Erie County) are currently closed to all traffic.

For real-time travel information, motorists can call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts, New York state's official traffic and travel information source.

Numerous watches and warnings are in effect for much of the state. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing emergency information to a cell phone or computer.