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Gov. Hochul: 'I'm sending in the National Guard'

Search and rescue crews work to locate stranded motorists along NYS Thruway

Kathy Hochul
New York Governor Kathy Hochul talking with members of the National Guard
Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Governor Kathy Hochul called-in to WBEN late Friday to announce she is deploying the National Guard to the Buffalo area Saturday.

"I'm sending in the National Guard," the governor told Joe Beamer as she emphasized the incredible impact the blizzard conditions are having on the Buffalo metro area and northtowns. Guard personnel will be utilized mainly to transport emergency medical workers and address urgent medical needs.


Hochul is also aware of stranded motorists on highways across the region, in particular along the New York State Thruway, which remains closed as of Saturday morning. "We do have a situation where right now we have search and rescue for 20 vehicles."

State plows working on the thruway are equipped with emergency supplies, Hochul says, and plow drivers are working to assist anyone they encounter who is stranded along the highway. "Our snow plows have been outfitted with blankets and food and water, so they're literally pulling up to vehicles," Hochuls said.

The governor tells WBEN the driving ban and thruway closure decisions were made early to avoid more motorists from becoming stranded.

Search and rescue crews work to locate stranded motorists along NYS Thruway