**State of Emergency Declared as Heavy Snowfall Hits Western New York**

BUFFALO, N.Y. - In response to severe weather conditions, Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for 11 counties in Western New York and the North Country. The counties impacted by this declaration include Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Allegany, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Herkimer, and Wyoming.

In a tweet at 2:42 p.m. on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gov. Hochul announced that the state of emergency was effective immediately. Alongside this announcement, over 100 National Guard members have been deployed to Western New York to provide support.

The emergency comes as a result of heavy lake-effect snow expected to impact the region. In Erie County, particularly around the Orchard Park area where the Buffalo Bills are scheduled to play on Sunday, snowfall could reach up to three to four feet. Meanwhile, in the North Country near Watertown, accumulations might reach up to five feet.

Travel conditions are anticipated to be treacherous, with significant poor visibility and hazardous travel conditions expected on parts of the state Thruway and Interstate 81. Preventative measures include a ban on empty commercial vehicles and tandem trucks across several highway sections to minimize risks.