Albany, N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday expanded her emergency declaration to include the entire state ahead of a lake effect storm that could drop as much as three feet of snow in some areas.
Hochul’s order continues the existing state of emergency, which was issued during Friday’s snowstorm, to now include all 62 counties in New York state.
The lake effect storm forecast to begin Monday night is expected to be intense, with high winds and blizzard-like conditions. Snow could fall at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Hochul’s emergency declaration allows her to, among other things, temporarily suspend state contracting rules and driving limits for commercial truck drivers.
Local officials have issued their own alerts to residents.
Madison County has asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel from 10 p.m. Monday until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said he will issue a travel advisory later Monday.
