State of Emergency Declared in NY Ahead of Storm That Could Dump 6 Feet of Snow

Several feet of snow is forecast to fall around Buffalo on Nov. 17, 2022, and Nov. 18, 2022, forecasters say. (National Weather Service Buffalo)

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Nov. 17 ahead of a major winter storm that could dump several feet of snow in Buffalo and other parts of western New York.

In a statement, the governor declared an emergency in 11 counties after it was forecast that up to four feet of snow could fall in Buffalo and up to six feet of snow could accumulate in Watertown.

“Hazardous travel conditions and local power outages as a result of the storm are likely due to the combination of snow and wind in the forecast,” the governor’s office said. “Lightning and thunder may also occur in the heavier, more intense bands. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel Thursday evening through Friday, particularly in the Buffalo and Watertown areas.”

The emergency was declared for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming counties.

“My administration has been preparing around the clock for this potentially life-threatening weather event, bringing in additional safety personnel and equipment, closing down the New York State Thruway, and activating Emergency Operation Centers. I urge all New Yorkers to stay prepared and vigilant over the next few days, making sure to look after vulnerable loved ones and neighbors,” Hochul said.

The NFL, meanwhile, relocated a Buffalo Bills game against the Cleveland Browns to Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 20 due to the storm.

Weather forecasters say the snowfall would be at its greatest intensity between 7 p.m. local time on Nov. 17 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 18.

The governor urged motorists to stay off the roads during the peak period to allow crews to work.

“We anticipate the heavy snow is going to continue falling through the weekend,” Hochul said in a news conference. “The cleanup is going to take some time, and there are going to be people who need your help. So, that’s what we’re calling on. We know how to do this. Am I sounding the alarms? Yes, because I want Western New Yorkers to take this seriously.”