Forecasters: Hochul’s Winter Storm Not Likely To Hit New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning about extreme winter weather that is expected to hit the state during Thanksgiving week.

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The announcement came just ahead of one of the busiest travel periods of the year, raising concerns with travelers and residents.

According to Governor Hochul, a massive storm is forecasted to impact New York, bringing with it freezing rain, snow accumulations, and high winds. The storm is expected to hit on Wednesday and continue into Thursday which would bump into the peak travel days for Thanksgiving.

Governor Hochul called on all state agencies, including Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, the Thruway Authority, the National Guard, Parks, and the Department of Environmental Conservation, to prepare for potential impacts from the storm. The governor emphasized the need for readiness and urged homeowners, and those traveling for Thanksgiving to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

However, questions have been raised about the possible storm hitting the Southern Tier as multiple weather outlets indicate more rain than snow, along with above-freezing temperatures.

The National Weather Service Binghamton does not report any treacherous weather outside of high winds Tuesday into Wednesday morning. The Weather Channel also only calls for rain and high winds. Weather Underground concurs with the National Weather Service and Weather Channel and also only calls for rain and high winds.

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On Sunday, November 19, Brian Donegan, an Upstate New York resident and Senior Digital Meteorologist at FOX Weather told us, “The storm the governor has been referencing is a potential lake-effect snowstorm that could impact parts of the Buffalo and Watertown areas during the second half of this week and into the weekend. That includes Thanksgiving Day.”

However, the weather has a mind of its own and can change at any given time which was evident by a message Donegan sent to us on Monday, November 20,  "The forecast has changed for the potential lake-effect snow event in the Buffalo and Watertown areas this week. It’s no longer expected to happen due to a change in the weather pattern, so the conditions are no longer favorable for lake-effect snow."

Donegan further explained that “...once we get past Tuesday afternoon and evening’s (minor) wintry mix, minimal weather impacts are expected throughout the entire state."

Donegan said that most areas will see little or no accumulation on Tuesday with the snow and rain mix, noting that the mix will change to all rain before ending on Wednesday morning, leaving us with dry weather for Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.