Breaking News: New York State Declares State of Emergency Amid Lake-Effect Snowstorm
New York State has declared a state of emergency in response to a powerful lake-effect snowstorm sweeping across the Great Lakes region. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a ban on tandem and empty tractor-trailers in both directions on the New York State Thruway, stretching from exit 53 west to the Pennsylvania state line. This ban also extends to sections of NY Route 5, US 219, NY Route 400, and Interstate 86.
“Our first responders and emergency crews are standing by to address the challenges posed by this storm,” Governor Hochul stated in a social media update. She urged residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, including staying informed through local weather forecasts, avoiding unnecessary travel, and registering for emergency alerts.
As the storm unleashed its wintry fury, videos captured from the Erie, Pennsylvania area showcased the relentless snowfall that began on Wednesday evening. FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell, stationed in Erie, shared a mesmerizing timelapse video illustrating the bands of lake-effect snow enveloping the region.
The National Weather Service office in Buffalo issued warnings of heavy lake-effect snowfall accumulating several feet east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario until Friday morning. Intense winds accompanying the snowfall threatened near-whiteout conditions, posing significant disruptions to travel and daily life in the hardest-hit areas.
Meteorologists at the FOX Forecast Center explained that a surge of frigid air originating from Canada was set to collide with the comparatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, fueling enhanced snowfall along the eastern and southern shorelines. This atmospheric clash promised to generate potent snow bands, intensifying the winter storm’s impact on communities in its path.
“Following the initial wallop on Wednesday, a blast of icy, blustery air will sweep into the Great Lakes region, fostering the development of formidable snow bands,” elaborated FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith. The looming combination of high winds and swirling snowflakes was projected to produce near-blizzard conditions, particularly on Thursday when wind speeds were forecasted to peak between 25-45 mph.
The ominous weather outlook prompted authorities to issue winter weather alerts across the Great Lakes region, cautioning residents to brace for hazardous conditions and disruptions to daily routines. The FOX Weather team underscored the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of the impending storm, emphasizing the importance of heeding safety guidelines and staying informed through reliable sources.
As the snowstorm continued its relentless advance, communities across the Great Lakes region braced for the onslaught of wintry weather, with emergency response teams mobilized to address any contingencies. The resilience and unity of the affected areas were put to the test as residents navigated the challenges posed by the unrelenting snowfall and biting winds.
In the midst of uncertainty and adversity, the spirit of cooperation and solidarity shone brightly as neighbors offered support to one another and emergency services worked tirelessly to ensure the safety
