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

County officials in upstate New York have declared a state of emergency as they brace for a major snowstorm that has already dumped more than two feet of snow in the Midwest and is expected to pile up more this weekend.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday morning that 11 counties, including Erie County, which includes Buffalo, are under a state of emergency and many districts have experienced heavy snowfall.

Lake effect snow will continue through Monday, with the heaviest snow expected through early Sunday morning, and heavy snow late Sunday into Monday morning, according to the governor’s office. The heaviest snowfall totals this weekend are expected in the Watertown, New York area, where 3 to 5 feet of snow is expected.

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

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

The state Department of Transportation banned 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, Hochul said extra personnel have been deployed to assist with possible power and road emergencies.

Lake effect snow is common this time of year, as cold air moves over relatively warm lake water, creating highly localized clusters of large snowfalls over long periods of time.

Counties in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania have recorded significant snowfall since Friday.

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