New York counties declare a state of emergency as they prepare for a massive snowstorm

Officials in northern New York counties have declared a state of emergency as they prepare for a major snowstorm that has already dumped more than two feet of snow in the Midwest and is expected to pile up even more this weekend.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday morning that eleven counties, including Erie County, which includes Buffalo, were under a state of emergency and that large amounts of snow had already fallen in many parts of the city.

According to the governor’s office, snow will continue into Monday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring through early Sunday morning and an additional period of heavy snowfall late Sunday night into Monday morning. The highest amounts of snow this weekend are expected around Watertown, New York, where 3 to 5 feet of snow is forecast.

“My administration is working around the clock with our state authorities and over 100 National Guard members on the ground to support local communities,” Hochul said.

Travel advisories have been issued for Jefferson and Lewis counties and parts of Erie County.

The state Department of Transportation banned empty and tandem commercial vehicles on I-86 from the Pennsylvania state line to I-390 and on State Route 219 from the Pennsylvania state line to I-90.

In addition to National Guard members, additional personnel have been deployed to assist with possible power and road emergencies, Hochul said.

Lake effect snow is common this time of year as colder air moves over the relatively warm waters of the lakes, resulting in extremely localized heavy snowfall over an extended period of time.

Counties in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania have recorded massive amounts of snowfall since Friday.

Gaylord, Michigan, recorded 24.8 inches of snow on Friday, marking the snowiest calendar day on record and breaking the previous record of 17 inches set on March 9, 1942.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also declared a state of emergency for Erie, Pennsylvania.

The governor said he had sent the National Guard to Erie County to “assist any stranded drivers and ensure emergency responders get to the people who need them.”