Winter Storm Prompts State of Emergency In WNY Region 


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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WNY News Now) — A State of Emergency is in effect for Western New York, as a major lake effect snow storm impacts the region. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul hosted a storm briefing in the Buffalo area on Thursday morning.  


“Parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and the North Country are about to get their first snowstorm of the season, which means we need everyone in these impacted regions to be ready for dangerous travel conditions,” Governor Hochul said. 

“My team and I are deploying emergency response assets ahead of the storm, remain in constant contact with local officials, and are laser-focused on the forecast. New Yorkers should remain vigilant ahead of the storm and avoid any unnecessary travel during these hazardous conditions.” 

Gov. Hochul warns of hazardous travel conditions and local power outages as a result of the storm.  



She urges New Yorkers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel through Friday. 

There will be a total of 60 staff, including 50 plow truck operators/supervisors, six equipment operator instructors, and four fleet mechanics from other regions deployed to our region. 

They are distributed as follows: 

  • Western New York: 
    • Receiving 40 plow operators/supervisors, two equipment operator instructors, and four fleet mechanics. 
  • Finger Lakes: 
    • Receiving seven plow operators and two equipment operator instructors 
  • North Country: 
    • Receiving three plow operators and two equipment operator instructors 

Also, beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, all commercial traffic will be banned on the New York State Thruway (I-90) from exit 46 (Rochester I-390) to the Pennsylvania border. 



ALL commercial traffic heading eastbound on the Thruway must exit at exit 61 (Ripley – Shortman Rd). 

Commercial traffic heading westbound on the Thruway towards Pennsylvania from points east should use exit 46 (Rochester – I-390) for I-390 to I-86 West. 

 

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