A significant lake effect snowstorm has struck Buffalo and the surrounding regions of Upstate New York, causing widespread disruptions over the Thanksgiving weekend. The National Weather Service reported that some areas received up to 60 inches of snow, exacerbating travel difficulties and leading to numerous closures. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for counties including Erie, Niagara, and Orleans. The snowstorm began on Friday and intensified into Saturday, prompting advisories for hazardous conditions. Amid the challenging weather, there were reports of stranded motorists, and emergency services had to respond to numerous calls for assistance. Hochul stated, ‘We are prepared to mobilize resources to keep New Yorkers safe.’ Travel bans were placed in several areas, and flight cancellations at Buffalo Niagara International Airport were widespread, with at least 200 flights grounded on Saturday alone. Local officials urged residents to stay indoors and only venture out if absolutely necessary. As power outages impacted over 10,000 residents, crews worked diligently to restore electricity amid the harsh weather conditions. Meteorologists warned that additional snow accumulation was possible, causing concern for continued hazards in the coming days. This weather event follows a string of other winter storms that have already affected the Great Lakes region this season.
