Blizzard — Monroe, New York

1999-03-04 · Monroe, New York

Wider weather episode

Deep low pressure moved from West Virginia north across New York to Quebec, Canada. Heavy rain changed to heavy snow as cold air circulated into the region. Snow fell at the rate of two to three inches per hour. Across Monroe and Wayne counties snowfall amounts were greatest with over two feet falling. Snow fall amounts dropped off both east and west of that area. The strong winds off Lake Ontario resulted in blizzard conditions over Monroe and Wayne counties for nearly six hours. Drifts reached four to five feet in places. The New York State Thruway (I-90) was closed from Depew to Syracuse. Several hundred cars were stranded in the closed section. The Governor declared Monroe, Wayne, Oswego, Wyoming, Livingston, and Cayuga counties State Disaster Areas. Orleans, Ontario, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe and Wayne counties were also declared Federal Disaster Areas. The National Guard was called on to help remove cars, rescue stranded motorists and deliver food and medical supplies. Schools and businesses were closed throughout the area. Nearly 10,000 customers lost power during the storm. Specific snowfall reports included: Hamlin 28"; Perinton and Fairport 26"; Penfield 25"'; Ontario and Rochester Airport 24"; Walworth 23"; Victor 22"; Greece and Webster 20"; Portageville 17"; Palmyra, Canandaigua, Avon and Franklinville 16"; Mt. Morris 15"; Dansville 14"; Oswego, Honeoye, and Angelica 13"; Batavia, Friendship and Albion 12"; Olean, Alfred, Whitesville, and Strykersville 11"; Sodus and Salamanca 10"; Bennington 9"; Wales 8"; and Darien and Arkwright 7".

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5691857. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.