Buffalo and all of Western New York is gearing up for a whole lot of snow.
As our meteorologists have been reporting, the region could see more than 2' of snowfall in the city of Buffalo alone.
This storm at times is anticipated to resemble the November 2014 storm, a weather event that left people stranded inside their homes and at work for days — which is why it's extremely important to be prepared.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a State of Emergency for portions of upstate New York, including the Buffalo area, which went into effect Thursday morning, ahead of the lake-effect snow.
The State of Emergency applies to the following counties - Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming.
"We all have to do our part to make sure that everyone stays safe during this winter storm — that's why I have declared a State of Emergency for impacted counties, which will free up resources and boost our readiness," Gov. Hochul said. "My administration has been preparing around the clock for this potentially life-threatening weather event, bringing in additional safety personnel and equipment, closing down the New York State Thruway, and activating Emergency Operation Centers. I urge all New Yorkers to stay prepared and vigilant over the next few days, making sure to look after vulnerable loved ones and neighbors."
Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Winter Storm Watches are in effect through Sunday evening for several counties in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country regions.
Hochul says the state Department of Transportation will be implementing a full commercial vehicle ban at the following locations starting Thursday at 4 p.m.:
- Interstate 190 - Route 62 to I-90
- Interstate 290 - full length
- Interstate 990 - full length
- Route 33 - full length
- Route 219 - Route 39 to I-90
- Route 400 - full length
- Buffalo Skyway Route 5 - full length
- I-81 - Exit 33 to Canadian border - trucks use right lane only
Hochul discussed Wednesday how the state is working with local municipalities to keep the region clear and safe.
"Parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York and the North Country are about to get their first snowstorm of the season, which means we need everyone in these impacted regions to be ready for dangerous travel conditions," Hochul said in a statement. "My team and I are deploying emergency response assets ahead of the storm, remain in constant contact with local officials, and are laser focused on the forecast. New Yorkers should remain vigilant ahead of the storm and avoid any unnecessary travel during these hazardous conditions."
The governor also announced that Western New York will receive an extra 40 plow operators/supervisors, two equipment operator instructors and four fleet mechanics from the state Department of Transportation to assist. She says the need for additional resources will reevaluated throughout the event.
