Governor Kathy Hochul has taken the necessary steps to address the upcoming lake effect snowstorm and frigid arctic air by declaring a state of emergency in Upstate and Western New York. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in these regions.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the emergency declaration applies to Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, and Wyoming counties.
According to the National Weather Service, the Tug Hill plateau area is expected to receive two to three feet of lake effect snow. Meanwhile, the Buffalo region is projected to receive one to two feet of snow.
According to the weather service, the region will experience a deeper penetration of Arctic air in the coming days. This will result in significantly colder temperatures and potentially hazardous wind chills. Syracuse, in particular, is expected to have negative wind chills until Wednesday night.