New York Readies Plows, Utility Crews as Lake-Effect Bands Bring Heavy Snow and 50 mph Gusts

Albany, N.Y. — New York officials are preparing for heavy lake-effect snow expected to hammer communities east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario through at least Tuesday night, with the greatest impacts likely during the Monday and Tuesday commutes.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday that a separate system could drop up to five inches in parts of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island before lake-effect bands intensify Monday. Forecasters warn that areas downwind of Lake Ontario — including the Tug Hill Plateau — could see two to three feet of snow, while areas south of Buffalo, including the Chautauqua Ridge, could see up to a foot and a half.

Strong winds with gusts up to 50 mph could cause blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility. Power outages are possible, and very cold air moving in Monday through Wednesday could worsen conditions if homes lose heat, the state said.

The hardest-hit zones could include northern Oswego, western Lewis and southern Jefferson counties near Lake Ontario, and southern Erie, northern Chautauqua and northern Cattaraugus counties near Lake Erie, with snowfall rates at times capable of quickly covering roads.

State agencies said they are staging resources, including thousands of transportation personnel, plow trucks and salt supplies, and utilities reported about 5,500 workers available statewide for restoration work.

For families, officials urged limiting travel when possible, planning backup childcare, and stocking vehicles with blankets, water and a phone charger in case of delays. New Yorkers can sign up for local weather and emergency text alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

This article was produced by a education parenting today journalist with the assistance of Ai. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.