Governor Hochul Urges Caution Ahead of Incoming Lake Effect Snow

Winter Weather Advisories Issued for Parts of Western New York, Finger Lakes, North Country and Central New York Beginning Tonight and into Tomorrow Morning

3-6 Inches Possible in Chautauqua County, 3-5 Inches Possible in Niagara and Orleans Counties with Localized Higher Totals Possible Beginning Sunday Evening and Continuing Through Tuesday Night

‘Feels Like’ Temperatures Expected To Drop to Low-to-Mid Teens in Many Areas of the State

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged caution ahead of forecasted lake effect snow set to impact portions of Western New York. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for Sunday night into Monday morning, with three to six inches of snow forecasted for Chautauqua County and three to five inches possible in Niagara and Orleans Counties and localized higher amounts possible. An initial bout of snowfall will begin Sunday evening and carry into Monday morning before tapering off and beginning again Monday evening into Tuesday night. The later occurrence of lake effect snow may impact visibility when driving, in addition to slippery road conditions. ‘Feels like’ temperatures are also expected to drop to the low-to-mid teens in many areas of the state.

“As winter weather moves in this week, I am urging New Yorkers in impacted areas to use caution and take measures to prepare for cold and snowy conditions,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are at the ready to assist New Yorkers and to ensure our communities remain safe during the first winter storm of the year.”

Following a period of widespread rain showers Sunday, a strong cold front with low ‘feels like’ temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees is expected to cause a changeover to snow beginning Sunday night. Lake enhanced bands of snow will develop southeast of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and persist through at least Monday night, also impacting the North Country and Central New York. Periodic lighter snow is also possible outside of the primary lake effect areas. As westerly winds strengthen, it may direct weaker intensity lake snows due east of the lakes on Tuesday.

In addition to preparing for snow, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill falls below 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. Cold Weather tips from the Department of Health can be found here; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia can be found here; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be found here; information on the proper use of generators can be found here; safe winter driving tips can be found here.

The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:

• Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
• Ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
• Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

More Information on best practices for working in cold weather can be found here.

Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for areas across the state and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.

Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.