January 25th, 2026

No unnecessary travel advisory also in effect

View Full Press Release (PDF)

View Statement of Emergency (PDF)

Due to the Winter Storm that is impacting our region, County Executive Adam Bello today declared a countywide State of Emergency. The State of Emergency is effective immediately and will remain in effect for thirty days or until rescinded by the County Executive. This declaration is necessary to allow for swift road closures and expeditated mutual aid response if conditions warrant. Governor Hochul previously declared a statewide State of Emergency.

In addition to the countywide State of Emergency, Bello issued a issued a travel advisory, and is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. While the travel advisory does not officially restrict travel in Monroe County, it is a warning to motorists that hazardous driving conditions will exist for a significant period of time. Bello is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm so first responders and snow plows can do their jobs without obstruction- real emergencies will occur, and keeping roads clear will help ensure emergency responders can reach those who need it most.

"Due to the potential severity of the Winter Storm, freezing temperatures, and blowing conditions, I am declaring a countywide State of Emergency and issuing a travel advisory to protect public safety. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel so our first responders and road crews can safely and quickly respond to emergencies and keep our roads clear. These conditions are expected to worsen, and taking this advisory seriously will help save lives," said County Executive Adam Bello.

If you must travel, clear your car of snow before driving, drive slowly and avoid using cruise control, leave extra distance between your vehicle and others on the road, and stay clear of snow plows and salt trucks working to clear roads and sidewalks.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Monroe County in effect from Sunday, January 25 at 7:00 a.m. to Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 a.m. Forecasts indicate snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches, which will make travel difficult during this time.

Monroe County's Office of Emergency Management will monitor the weather and road conditions, and emergency response calls throughout the storm. Further updates about weather conditions, road closures or other storm-related matters will be issued to the public as warranted.

Code Blue

A Code Blue designation is in effect across New York State. Monroe County's Department of Human Services will be conducting outreach efforts to offer homeless individuals emergency housing. If anyone is in need of shelter, or knows someone who is, please call the 211 Life Line to access assistance. If our shelters reach capacity, alternate arrangements will be made.

During Code Blue, individuals in need can also request free transportation via RTS to a warming shelter in the City of Rochester at any bus stop. If the nearest shelter is already on the bus route, the bus will transport them directly there. If a participating warming center is not on the bus route, the bus will transport them to the RTS transit center, where an RTS employee will escort them to the appropriate bus route that will take them to a shelter with available space.

Monroe County Warming Center Sites:

• Open Door Mission, 156 N Plymouth Ave., Rochester, RTS Routes: 15, 21

• House of Mercy, 285 Ormond St., Rochester, RTS Route 3

• Saving Grace Ministries (men only), 1140 Norton St., Rochester, RTS Route 4, 5

• Oak Orchard, First Baptist Church, 124 Main St., Brockport, transportation available through RTS OnDemand