Hochul provides updates on expected lake-effect snow event

UPDATE: Late on Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul provided an update on the lake-effect snow event impacting upstate locations. Areas in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country are under lake-effect snow warnings through this weekend for heavy snow and related impacts.

Some locations, including northern Cayuga, far southern Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties, could see between 1-3 feet of lake-effect snow, while other locations could see between 1-2 feet of snow through this weekend.

Snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour and winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour will likely impact travel. Visibilities will be considerably reduced, and winds could bring down tree branches – resulting in power outages. Travelers should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions.

“Our agencies continue to work around the clock in coordination with our local partners as we respond to significant snowfall, strong winds and colder temperatures that are expected across much of the state through the weekend,” Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to monitor your local forecast and stay alert as conditions can rapidly change or worsen.”

Colder temperatures and gusty winds are expected Friday through Sunday with minimum wind chills ranging from the single digits across much of the state, not including New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, to several degrees below zero in the North Country.

Starting Monday and continuing through next week, an arctic blast of cold temperatures and gusty winds will produce single-digit wind chills across much of the state. Some parts of the North Country could see as low as 10-15-below-zero degrees in the coldest spots through the week.

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Areas in Cayuga, Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson & Lewis counties could see up to 4 feet of snow through Sunday; some Locations in Western and Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley & North Country could see up to 2 or more feet of snow by weekend

√ New Yorkers urged to continue to monitor forecast, prepare for wintry weather conditions

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Wednesday, updated New Yorkers on the lake-effect snow event continuing into the weekend for areas in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country.

Areas in northern Cayuga, northern Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties could see total snow accumulations of up to 4 feet through the entirety of the prolonged event in the most persistent lake snows. The greatest accumulations of snow will be across the Tug Hill Plateau. Other areas could see up to 2 or more feet of snow. Most of the snow is expected starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. Strong and gusty winds up to 45 mph in some places are forecast to last through Thursday evening.

New Yorkers should pay close attention to local weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel, as the combination of snow and strong winds will likely bring down tree branches, cause near-whiteout conditions within heavy snow bands, and result in large snow drifts.

“As the first lake-effect storm of the new year moves in, I’ve mobilized our state resources in preparation for significant snowfall and strong winds,” Hochul said. “We are working in close coordination with our local partners, and I encourage everyone to stay alert and monitor their local forecast.”

A winter storm warning is in effect for parts of the North Country through early Friday morning. A lake-effect snow warning is in effect for parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country into the weekend. A winter weather advisory is also in effect for parts of the North Country through early Friday morning, Central New York into Thursday, and the Mohawk Valley through Friday night.

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 critical emergency information to a cell phone or computer.

Agency activities

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management is in contact with its local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The state watch center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

NYS DOT is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,605 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crew that is needed (plow, drainage, chipper, load and haul, cut and toss, etc.). All available response equipment is ready to deploy, and all residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,631 large plow trucks
• 343 large loaders
• 153 medium-duty plows
• 52 tow plows
• 36 snowblowers
• 20 graders
• 36 tracked excavators
• 31 traffic signal trucks
• 13 tree crew bucket trucks

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

The Thruway Authority is monitoring the forecast and ready to respond with 689 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 353 large- and medium-duty plow trucks
• 8 tow plows
• 65 loaders
• 121,000-plus tons of salt on hand

Variable message signs and social media (X and Facebook) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the thruway.

New for the 2024-25 snow and ice season, all of the thruway's more than 250 heavy-duty plow trucks are equipped with green hazard lights, complementing the standard amber hazard lights. Green lights are intended to improve visibility and enhance safety during winter operations, particularly in low-light conditions and poor weather.

Drivers are reminded that thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour – which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit – to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app, which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails and follow the thruway on Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit the thruway website.

New York State Department of Public Service utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York, as necessary. Utilities are actively monitoring the weather forecast and will participate in any roadway clearing efforts needed due to the incoming snowfall. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police have instructed all troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all specialty vehicles – including utility-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles – are staged and ready for deployment.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation emergency management staff, environmental conservation police officers, forest rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including sawyers and first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to snow, flooding and high winds.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series: Snow Disposal.

Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and cold to ensure a safe winter experience. Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the high peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Lower elevation trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, slush and mud, including many trails in the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy trail conditions exist.

While ice is beginning to form on some waterways, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

With the potential for heavy rains, hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, and trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack backcountry information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information.

Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 911. To request forest ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

With regard to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.