Republicans in the state Senate called Friday for oversight hearings of the response to the blizzard in Buffalo that led to the deaths of dozens of people in western New York. 

Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt and Sen. Patrick Gallivan in a letter to the Democratic lawmakers leading the Senate committees on Transportation, Investigations and Government Operations and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs called for the hearings as a way to assess the response to the storm. 

“While we recognize the historic nature of the storm, and appreciate the hard work and efforts put forward by first responders, local officials, public works employees, and good samaritans, it is clear that we must learn the tough lessons gleaned from this event," they wrote in the letter. "A legislative hearing is a responsible way to understand the successes and shortcomings of the state and local effort, and ensure we are prepared to adequately respond to any future events in the Western New York  region or across the state."

Republicans, who hold the minority in the state Senate and Assembly, do not have the power to call full committee hearings on their own or issue subpoenas in an investigation. 

The Christmas weekend storm saw most of the snow fall within 30 to 36 hours, quickly creating whiteout conditions on roadways that brought the region to a virtual standstill. More than 40 people were later found dead.

“The Blizzard of '22 was truly historic, but we know it will not be the last snowstorm to hit our region," Gallivan said. "It is the role of government at all levels to respond to these emergency situations and to do everything possible to keep residents safe. We appreciate the heroic work of first responders, road crews, utility workers and others who provided critical services during and after the storm.  It is also important to review procedures and operations to determine how to improve our response in the future."