President Joe Biden has approved Gov. Kathy Hochul’s request for an emergency declaration after a winter storm buried parts of the state with nearly 7 feet of snow.
Eleven counties in the Buffalo and Rochester regions, parts of Central New York and the North Country were hit by the snow. The declaration means direct federal assistance is available, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is authorized to provide emergency protective measures, such as search and rescue operations.
FEMA can also take action to protect roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities and mass transit. A state of emergency remains in effect in the 11 counties.
