Gov. Kathy Hochul has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden to support the ongoing recovery of communities impacted by the devastating late-December storm, which caused historic blizzard conditions in Western New York, as well as significant coastal flooding on Long Island.

If granted, this declaration would allow for federal financial assistance for communities in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, the North Country, and on Long Island, to cover damages and some response operations. Hochul is also requesting direct funding to cover funeral expenses and crisis counseling for residents of Erie and Niagara counties. 

"I have submitted a formal request to President Biden to secure a Major Disaster Declaration to support communities across New York impacted by the devastating winter storm that hit our state in December," Gov. Hochul said. "Federal assistance will support my administration's ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers continue to recover from this once-in-a-generation storm."

The historic December storm brought 37 straight hours of blizzard-like conditions in Erie County, which is the longest recorded blizzard in the United States under 5,000 feet of elevation and record snowfall in Niagara County. The storm also claimed the lives of 46 residents from Erie County and one resident from Niagara County.

"This historic storm began as a statewide event with a complex forecast of snow, ice, strong winds and extreme wind chill," Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. "These conditions created a nearly two-day blizzard in the Buffalo area that became hazardous for pre-positioned emergency responders, snow plows, and utility crews to navigate. Our team was proud to work alongside all of our emergency response partners involved in the event and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to help our communities recover."

On Long Island, high winds and heavy rains from the storm brought widespread coastal flooding in Suffolk County, leaving debris damage and thousands of power outages due to damaged infrastructure. Significant tidal surges also caused coastal erosion in the area.