Upstate New York Faces Up to Six Feet of Snow as Emergency Declared

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a state of emergency in several counties of upstate New York as an intense weather system unleashes powerful lake-effect snowfall. Starting in late November 2024, this storm is expected to dump as much as 6 feet (1.83 meters) of snow over multiple days, creating challenging conditions for residents and travelers.

Severe Snow Accumulation in Upstate Regions

The counties most severely impacted include Erie, Jefferson, and Lewis, where dangerous driving conditions are predicted to persist through Monday. Snowfall is anticipated at rates between 1 and 3 inches per hour in these zones, while gusty winds threaten widespread power outages. Portions of the New York Thruway remain closed, with official travel warnings in effect. Key technical data about the storm include:

Snowfall intensity: Up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) per hour in the most impacted areas.
Wind speeds: Gusts potentially reaching 50 mph (80.47 km/h), causing significant snowdrifts and low visibility.
Storm length: Forecasted to span approximately 5 days across central and western New York.
Road closures: Significant segments of the New York Thruway (I-90) have been shut down due to hazardous snow accumulation.
Electrical disruptions: Strong winds are expected to lead to power outages, particularly in rural areas.

Parts-of-Upstate-New-York-could-see-up-to-6-feet-of-snow-in-a-five-day-period-fa2e80333b349c98d5eae5fc6e9e07af.jpg — Significant snow depths of up to six feet are predicted in parts of Upstate New York over a five-day span. FOX Weather

Governor Hochul stressed the seriousness of the storm by declaring a state of emergency late Friday due to “life-threatening blizzard-like conditions near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.” Meteorologist Cody Braud from Fox Weather warned that “morning temperatures will remain below freezing for at least the next 10 days, possibly up to two weeks,” with daily highs staying in the low to mid-40s throughout the week.

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New York City Readies for Cold Weather

While heavy snow targets Upstate New York, New York City is gearing up for a sustained cold period. Forecasters anticipate morning temperatures consistently below freezing over the next 10 days, accompanied by possible light snowfall midweek, though that has yet to be officially confirmed. As Braud noted, “That’s the million-dollar question everyone wants to know ... and I would not rule that out.”

Government Action and Assistance

In response to the storm conditions, Governor Hochul has deployed more than 100 National Guard troops to assist local efforts and urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel. Similar precautions and guard deployments have been initiated in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan as the lake-effect snow continues to impact the region.

WINTER WEATHER UPDATE:

My administration is working around the clock to respond to the snowstorm in Western New York and the North Country.

Our state agencies and over 100 National Guard members are on the ground to support storm operations.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) November 30, 2024

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has activated the state's National Guard to assist drivers who may be stranded in Erie County, ensuring emergency personnel can reach those in need, as announced on X on Saturday.

Regional Weather Effects Of The Storm System

This event is not confined to New York alone; it forms part of a larger weather system impacting Pennsylvania, northeast Ohio, and Michigan. The lake-effect snow forms when frigid winds traverse the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, causing intense localized snowfall. Fox Weather’s Braud described this as a “clipper” system that delivers “an atomic burst of rain and snow clipping the Northeast and parts of the Great Lakes.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and adhere carefully to all official guidance to remain safe during this severe winter storm.