Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency across more than 40 counties in New York state due to a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow, strong winds and hazardous conditions, with warnings in effect until Saturday afternoon and potential for widespread travel disruptions and power outages.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Friday, December 26, 2025, affecting over 40 counties including Albany, Bronx, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Kings, Madison, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Suffolk, Ulster, Wayne, Westchester and contiguous counties, as a winter storm unleashes six to 12 inches of snow in parts of the Southern Tier and up to a foot in isolated areas, prompting travel advisories and preparations to mitigate risks to public safety.
Winter Storm Triggers Widespread Emergency Declaration
The declaration, outlined in Executive Order No. 55, addresses a storm expected to produce significant snow accumulations, strong winds with gusts up to 50 mph, and freezing temperatures, posing imminent dangers to public transportation, utility services, public health and public safety systems across the listed counties, according to the official order published by the Governor’s office. According to WSKG reporting, the state of emergency covers over two dozen counties including Broome, Cortland, Delaware and Otsego, where winter storm warnings remain in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday, with expectations of between six and 12 inches of snow in parts of the Southern Tier. 13WHAM reported that Governor Hochul’s action encompasses more than half of New York’s counties, with Wayne and Cayuga among those included in the Rochester region, as the snowstorm rumbles statewide bringing widespread four to eight inches of snow and up to one foot in some spots.
As reported by WSKG, state officials are advising residents to avoid travel during the winter storm until late Saturday morning, recommending precautions such as keeping a flashlight, food and water in vehicles if travel is essential, amid forecasts of snow rates up to two inches per hour in New York City, Long Island and parts of the Mid-Hudson region.
State Preparations and Official Warnings
Governor Hochul stated that state agencies began storm preparations earlier this week ahead of Friday’s onslaught, urging drivers to leave early for destinations and pack vehicles with safety essentials. “The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm,” Hochul said in a statement reported by 13WHAM. “Please continue to monitor your local forecast, avoid unnecessary travel and if you must travel, take all necessary precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.” The executive order activates the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, authorising state agencies and the American Red Cross to assist local governments and individuals in response and recovery efforts, effective from December 26, 2025, through January 25, 2026.
Impacts Extend to Neighbouring Regions
Winter storm warnings also extend into Pennsylvania’s Wayne and Pike counties until Saturday morning, as noted by WSKG, while winter weather advisories cover Tompkins, Tioga, Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties in New York, where snow, sleet and icy conditions are forecast into Saturday. In Mt. Pleasant, a winter storm warning remains in effect through 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, with heavy snow expected to yield total accumulations of six to nine inches, according to local government alerts.
Forecasted Hazards and Response Measures
Strong winds of 25 to 35 mph with localised gusts possibly reaching 50 mph raise concerns for power outages, alongside potential road closures, travel disruptions and damage to public and private property, as detailed in the Governor’s executive order. The order specifies the storm’s threat to public health and safety through hazardous conditions starting December 26, 2025, and continuing thereafter. Reporting by 13WHAM highlights post-Christmas snow impacts on travel, with Governor Hochul emphasising proactive measures to safeguard residents amid the widespread event.
The state of emergency declaration by Governor Kathy Hochul mobilises resources across over 40 New York counties to address the winter storm’s heavy snow, high winds and related risks, with warnings persisting until Saturday afternoon and officials calling for limited travel and preparedness.
