Buffalo Braces for Record Snowfall as State of Emergency Declared
A powerful winter storm has brought much of New York State to a standstill, with Buffalo bearing the brunt of the heavy snowfall. The relentless blizzard has already dumped over two and a half feet of snow in some areas, and forecasters predict even more accumulation is on the way.
On Saturday, as the snow began piling up at an alarming rate, Gov. Kathy Hochul took decisive action, declaring a state of emergency for 11 counties, including Erie County, home to Buffalo. This measure allows for quicker mobilization of resources and emergency personnel to respond to the winter weather crisis.
Travel Restrictions in Place
The New York State Department of Transportation issued an urgent plea to residents via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday morning, urging people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. Simultaneously, a ban on driving commercial trucks on several major roads is in effect, further restricting movement.
“Additional snowfall of one to two feet [30 to 60 centimeters] are possible in the most persistent bands,” the National Weather Service in Buffalo announced on X. “A low pressure system will continue to produce three to four inches [7 to 10 centimeters] per hour in Watertown and Jefferson County.”
The National Weather Service reported that the snowstorm has particularly wreaked havoc on eastern Ohio and western New York, where snowfall totals have already exceeded 30 inches (76 centimeters). With the blizzard showing no signs of letting up, the region is bracing for a potentially historic snowfall.
National Guard Mobilized
The severity of the storm has led to the mobilization of the National Guard in both New York State and Pennsylvania. National Guard units are prepared to assist with snow removal, search and rescue operations, and the delivery of essential supplies to stranded communities.
The Buffalo Bills football team, scheduled to host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday evening, are facing an uncertain game day due to the blizzard.
Initial reports suggest that up to 50 centimeters (nearly two feet) of new snow could fall in Buffalo by kickoff. The National Football League is monitoring the situation closely and will make a decision on whether the game can proceed as planned.
What areas of Buffalo are expected to get the most snowfall?
## Buffalo Braces for Record Snowfall as State of Emergency Declared
**(Host):** Welcome back to the show. Buffalo is bracing for what could be a record-breaking snowfall as a powerful blizzard batters the region. Joining us to discuss this developing situation is [Guest Name], a meteorologist with [Guest Affiliation]. Welcome to the programme.
**(Guest):** Thanks for having me.
**(Host):** Can you give our viewers a sense of just how intense this storm is and what kind of snowfall totals we’re expecting?
**(Guest):** This is a significant storm system. As of this morning, parts of Buffalo have already seen over two and a half feet of snow, and we’re anticipating another foot to two feet by the time this storm winds down tomorrow evening. [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/11/30/snowstorm-triggers-state-of-emergency-new-york-winter-storm-snowfall-totals-closures/76672930007/)]
**(Host):** Those are incredible numbers. What areas are expected to be hit hardest?
**(Guest):** The heaviest snowfall is concentrated in the Southern Buffalo Metro Area and the surrounding suburbs. The persistent snowfall in these areas is making conditions particularly dangerous. [ [1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/11/30/snowstorm-triggers-state-of-emergency-new-york-winter-storm-snowfall-totals-closures/76672930007/)]
**(Host):** Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency for 11 counties, including Erie County. What does this mean for residents of Buffalo?
**(Guest):** This declaration allows for the quicker mobilization of emergency resources and personnel. It helps streamline the response to this weather event and ensures residents have access to the help they need.
**(Host):** What advice would you give to people in Buffalo right now?
**(Guest):** Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must travel, do so with extreme caution. Dress in warm layers and make sure you have an emergency kit prepared in case of power outages or other disruptions.
**(Host):** Thank you for those important reminders and for providing us with your expertise on this developing situation.
