ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The severe winter storm that’s slammed several parts of the country has arrived in the Rochester area. News10NBC is tracking at least a foot of snow across the region.
New York and 36 other states are under a state of emergency due to the storm that could impact nearly 200 million Americans. Several local counties have issued travel advisories, meaning that drivers are urged to avoid all unnecessary travel. However, the roads will remain open. Here’s what to know about the travel advisories for each county:
- Monroe County’s travel advisory is effective immediately until further notice. Also, the county has declared a state of emergency.
- Ontario County’s travel advisory is effective immediately on Sunday until further notice.
- Wayne County’s advisory runs from 1 p.m. on Sunday to 5 a.m. on Monday.
- Livingston County’s advisory is effective immediately on Sunday until further notice.
- Wyoming County’s advisory is effective starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday until further notice.
- Orleans County’s advisory is effective starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday until further notice.
- Genesee County’s advisory is effective starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday until further notice.
- Steuben County’s advisory is effective immediately on Sunday until noon on Monday.
News10NBC has issued a Red Alert for Sunday and Monday, with current models showing up to 14 inches of snow in the Rochester area and up to 18 inches for parts of the Finger Lakes. See our latest forecast here.
State, county, and city crews are on standby to plow roads during the storm. Starting on Sunday, long combination tandem vehicles are banned from traveling on state roads because of the storm. In addition, all commercial vehicles are restricted to only traveling in the right lane on state roads, including on the Thruway. You can see the latest updates from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s address here.
Latest on salt supply
As News10NBC covered in December, rock salt prices have been going up locally amid an increased demand because of an early winter. However, leaders of Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and New York State all say they have enough salt to respond to the storm. Gov. Kathy Hochul says the State Department of Transportation is pre-treating roads ahead of the storm’s arrival.
In Rochester, crews will start plowing the main roads 24/7 once snow starts to fall, says Karen St. Aubin, Director of Bureau of Operations in Rochester. After three inches of snow has fallen, crews will move to residential roadways. Because of the low temperatures, the city plans to use treated salt after the roads are plowed.
“Our salt supply is good. We will continue to get salt right through the weekend. With this kind of temperature, we will use our treated salt, but in the beginning, we are plowing, we’re just getting the snow off the road,” St. Aubin said.
St. Aubin says crews will focus on all areas, but plow main roads first, move to residential areas, then check places such as hospitals and nursing homes.
In Monroe County, individual municipalities, like Rochester or Greece, are responsible for salting and plowing the roads. News10NBC saw crews in Greece load at least seven trucks with salt on Friday.
Tracking plows online
Are you looking to see when your neighborhood will be plowed? The City of Rochester has an online tool called “PlowTrax” to track city plows. You can use the interactive map and learn more about it here.
Where people in need can find shelter
As the storm slams the region, the community is stepping up to protect those in need. All local counties have warming centers to protect people who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or don’t have access to reliable heating. You can see the list here.
In addition, RTS buses are offering free transportation to shelters, part of Monroe County’s “Code Blue.” RTS is offering free transportation to the Open Door Mission (routes 15 and 21), House of Mercy (route 3), and Saving Grace Ministries for men (routes 4 and 5). RTS OnDemand also offers transportation to Oak Orchard (First Baptist Church) in Brockport. You can learn more here.
