(WNY News Now) Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed a State of Emergency in 11 New York counties, warning citizens to prepare for possibly record-breaking snowfall that is measured in feet rather than inches.
In reaction to heavy lake effect snow earlier today, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency while appearing as a guest on Spectrum News. As of 3:00 PM, the counties of Allegany, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming were all under a state of emergency.
AUDIO: You can listen to the governor’s speech here.
A quick transcript can be seen below:
Spectrum’s Jackson Wang:Hello, Governor. Greetings for the afternoon. I sincerely appreciate your time today. Thank you. Given that the snow has already begun to fall, what more can we anticipate over the course of the next few hours and days in those areas of New York that are susceptible to receiving several feet of snowfall?
Governor Hochul:Indeed, we are rather used to this phenomenon of lake effect snows. Since I’m from Western New York, it’s important to prepare for the worst. Over the next few days, we anticipate a lot of snowfall, which could result in a substantial buildup in Western New York and possibly as much as 4 to 6 inches in Buffalo. Three to four feet in Southern Erie and Chautauqua. Additionally, it might reach six feet in Watertown in the North Country. As a result, I anticipate that I have already proclaimed a state of emergency for the counties of Allegany, Erie Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Herkimer, Lewiston, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence. This enables us to provide greater assistance with local snow plowing, debris clearance, and utility line assistance. We are actively involved in the communities where we live. But once more, this storm is quite serious. Due to the very warm fall and winter thus far, many have become a little complacent. However, I want this to be taken seriously by everyone.
Additionally, I would like to announce that we will be implementing a tandem and empty trailer ban shortly after three o’clock today. And that covers the entire route from the Pennsylvanian boundary to Interstate 390, which leads to exits 53 and 219 on I-90. This is to ensure that we don’t have any overturned cars, which may be really hazardous. And as we’ve seen previously, it may actually paralyze the New York State Thruway or our major thoroughfares.
Although this is a typical lake effect storm, we nonetheless urge everyone to continue keeping an eye on it. Additionally, I have contributed to keeping the National Guard ready. Nearly 6,000 utility workers are prepared to bring the electricity back if needed. The good news is that the strong gusts that would often bring down power lines are not expected. As we approach one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, Yorkers are essentially thinking about that.
Spectrum’s Jackson Wang:What further measures will the state implement over the next few days, other from the ban on empty trailers that will take effect in a few minutes?
Governor Hochul:The pre-deployment is crucial. More than 4,000 DOT and Thruway employees are already prepared. 126,000 tons of salt and 2,100 plows. Additionally, we have already activated our emergency operations center, which will be operational starting at 7:00 AM today, with the National Guard prepared to go. Once more, I have communicated with our county officials. I have already had a conversation with County Executive Poloncarz. In order to discuss what’s going on in the North Country and to reach out to our other county officials, I spoke with the Chairman’s County Manager in Jefferson County. As a result, they have been in close contact with us.
As I already stated, we are so used to this type of storm. Although we don’t particularly enjoy it, it is a part of who we are as New Yorkers, particularly in the North Country and Western New York. And we’re prepared to handle any situation. Once more, Western New Yorkers are thinking about the snow in Sunday’s football game, which is crucial for the Bills. Additionally, we can ensure that people can enter and exit the stadium with ease and have the opportunity to secure our division, which is something we truly want to do. I’ve already had a conversation with the Bills’ owner to confirm that they have a way to transport the players to the game. Fortunately, it will be easing down long before Sunday night’s game time. We expect Orchard Park to receive a lot of snow.
Spectrum’s Jackson Wang:Knowing that the game will take place on Sunday night, I am aware that many Bills supporters enjoy hearing that. Now that Thanksgiving is over, many New Yorkers will be traveling over the following few days, whether it’s to visit family or attend Sunday’s Bills game. For individuals who will be traveling to those locations, what tips would you provide them?
Governor Hochul:Make plans for everything that might occur, such as your car breaking down. Ensure that your tanks are full of gas. Keep supplies in your vehicle. In addition to making sure your phone is fully charged, you should also consider packing some leftover Thanksgiving food in case you become stranded for a short time. If you’re driving, pay attention to the forecast. We’ve had significant storms before, but the timing of this at this particular moment, along with the fact that many holiday travelers want to return home between Friday and Sunday, will make for some hazardous conditions.
Spectrum’s Jackson Wang:We have been talking to Governor Kathy Hochul about the lake effect snow that will be falling in Western and Northern New York. In certain places bordering Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the snow will be measured in feet rather than inches. I sincerely appreciate your time this afternoon, Governor.
Governor Hochul: Okay, thanks to all of you. Go, Bills, and stay safe.