State of emergency declared in 11 New York counties due to heavy snow forecast

A state of emergency has been declared for 11 counties in Western New York and the North Country due to heavy lake-effect snow. The counties affected include Erie, Oswego, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence, among others. Snowfall predictions vary widely, with some areas expecting up to 6 feet by Monday. Erie County, where the Buffalo Bills will play, could see 3 to 4 feet of snow. To ensure safety, New York has banned empty commercial vehicles and tandem trucks on several highways, including parts of the Thruway and Interstate 86. Poor visibility and dangerous travel conditions are anticipated.