BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The latest winter storm in Western New York prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul to issue a warning on Monday for commuters to stay off the roads and work from home if possible.
With heavy snow expected at times, wind gusts expected to reach over 75 mph and the possibility of flooding, Governor Hochul urged everyone who can to stay off the roads Monday night, especially during the evening rush hour commute.
WIVB News 4 spoke with Governor Hochul on the phone Sunday night, and she also encouraged Western New Yorkers to work from home and avoid the roads.
Governor Hochul told News 4: “Western New Yorkers, myself included, we think we’re tough and we can handle anything, but when you’re out on the road and the winds are 50, 60, 70 mph and the winds are blowing, it’s a dangerous situation. We want to encourage people to stay off the roads if they can, especially tomorrow night from 4 to 7 “It’s okay to work remotely or stay home with the kids, forget about returning an item you don’t like to the store at Christmas, you can do it later, just help us keep our roads clear and stay safe. “
Ahead of the worst of Monday’s storm, Governor Hochul emphasized how her administration will continue to coordinate with local leaders to help keep Western New York residents safe from the sometimes very severe winter weather events that are expected to hit parts of our region.
On Friday, Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency for more than half of New York state’s counties, with the worst of the storm expected to hit on Monday.
Flood warnings have also been issued for parts of western New York state as the storm may bring a slight risk of excess rainfall. One to two inches of rain could cause flooding in rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas.
With this system, parts of western New York could see 1 to 2 feet of snow, along with strong winds and cold temperatures. Snowfall rates are as high as two inches per hour, and strong winds will produce significant blowing and drifting snow in lake effect areas and lead to near daytime conditions.
State and local leaders continued to coordinate during the worst of the storm, taking steps to close certain highways that could be dangerous and life-threatening.
“New Yorkers should monitor local weather forecasts and use caution to avoid travel to affected areas,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “Plow crews, emergency management teams and utility personnel are deployed and prepared to keep New Yorkers safe throughout the storm.”
Starting at 6 a.m. Monday and until further notice, empty trailer and tandem bans will be in place on the following state highways in Western New York:
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I-90 (Exit 46 to Thruway Authority portion of PA Line eastbound and westbound)
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I-290 (from I-190 to I-90)
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I-990 (I-90 to State Route 263 Millersport Highway)
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Route 400 (I-90 to State Route 16)
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Route 219 (I-90 to State Route 39)
For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org, New York State’s official source of transportation and travel information.
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Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. Click here to see more of his work.
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