Governor Hochul Urges Caution Amid Winter Storm Threat

Governor Kathy Hochul is warning residents of Western New York to take this snowstorm seriously. There is currently a winter storm warning in many counties throughout WNY. The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued the warning for Niagara, Orleans, Northern Erie, and Genesee counties. It is in effect for those counties from now until 4 pm on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

There is also a winter storm warning in effect for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties from 7 am today, Monday, January 19, until 3 pm on Wednesday. The NOAA warns of "Strong winds combined with a very cold airmass will produce dangerously cold wind chills tonight."

Gov. Hochul Warns Of Treacherous Winter Storm In WNY

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Governor Hochul wants WNYers to take this storm seriously and stay safe. She issued a warning that commuting may be dangerous. High winds and heavy snowfall may reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions. Power may go out in some areas, leaving residents with no heat during brutally cold temperatures.

“New York is prepared, and we are urging everyone in the affected regions to take this storm seriously. Heavy lake effect snow, dangerous winds, and bitter cold will make travel hazardous and could lead to power outages. State agencies are mobilized and ready, but the safest choice is to limit travel when possible, make sure you have supplies on hand, check on vulnerable neighbors, and stay informed as conditions continue to change through Tuesday. If you must be out, leave yourself extra travel time and use caution.”

In WNY, New York State says to prepare for up to a foot of snow, with one to eight inches falling today. Tomorrow we could see six to ten inches. Snowfall rates could reach two inches per hour in some WNY counties.

Is New York State Ready For The Storm?

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The State says it's prepared to handle the storm:

- Approximately 5,500 utility workers available statewide
- 1,642 large plow trucks
- 147 medium-duty plows
- 53 tow plows
- 341 large loaders
- 35 snow blowers
- Thruway Authority has 122,000+ tons of salt on hand

WNYers can text their county name to 333111 to ensure that they receive real-time weather and emergency alerts via text. You can read more about Gov. Hochul's update here.