Governor Kathy Hochul has advised New Yorkers to exercise caution as severe winter weather and lake effect snow continue to affect parts of the state, particularly during the New Year’s holiday period. Snowfall is expected off Lakes Erie and Ontario through Saturday, with hazardous driving conditions likely due to blowing snow. The most affected regions include 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 predict that areas south of Buffalo could receive up to three feet of additional lake effect snow by Saturday. In Central New York, snowfall rates may reach two inches per hour at times, especially around Syracuse. A separate weather system is expected on New Year’s Eve that will bring lighter snow across other parts of the state.
Multiple warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service. Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and stay updated via official channels such as the National Weather Service website.
State agencies are prepared for storm response. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services remains in contact with local officials and is ready to deploy resources from state stockpiles if needed. The Department of Transportation has over 3,600 operators available statewide for 24/7 operations during this event. Additional staff have been sent from less affected areas to help in Western New York.
The Thruway Authority has also deployed extra equipment from Albany to Syracuse for snow removal operations along major routes. More than 114,000 tons of salt are available statewide for road treatment efforts.
New York’s electric utilities have activated emergency response plans with about 7,700 workers prepared for damage assessment and restoration work should outages occur. This includes more than 2,200 mutual aid workers brought in from outside areas.
National Grid will distribute dry ice and bottled water at several locations including Buffalo Fire Department (860 Hertel Ave), Niagara Falls Fire Department Station 8 (20 Hyde Park Blvd), and Batavia Fire Department (18 Evans St) between 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Law enforcement agencies such as State Police are coordinating with other departments and are prepared for emergency response if needed during worsening conditions.
Officials advise drivers not only to avoid unnecessary travel but also be properly equipped if they must drive—suggesting items like blankets, shovels, extra warm clothing, tire chains or booster cables be kept in vehicles. Motorists should maintain safe distances behind snowplows traveling at lower speeds; passing operating plows is discouraged due to limited visibility caused by blowing snow.
For those venturing into backcountry or mountain regions like the Adirondacks or Catskills during this period of unpredictable weather, appropriate gear for cold temperatures is recommended along with careful trip planning.
Power outage safety tips were reiterated: residents should avoid downed power lines—which may still be live—and unplug appliances until service returns after an outage occurs.
Additional information about storm preparedness can be found on official websites such as the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services site.
