Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Potentially Dangerous and Life-threatening Blizzard-Like Conditions Along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency ahead of potentially dangerous and life-threatening blizzard-like conditions forecasted to impact communities along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Areas adjacent to both lakes are forecast to be impacted by strong winds with gusts up to 70 mph that will likely cause power outages, freezing cold wind chills, and lake effect snow with a foot or more possible in some areas. Blizzard-like, whiteout conditions are possible, especially Saturday night and much of Sunday, and wind chills are forecast to dip into the single digits on Saturday night and remain there through mid-week. Lake effect snow is expected for both Lakes Erie and Ontario starting Saturday afternoon and continuing through Monday morning, with areas in Western NY and the Watertown area receiving up to a foot of snow. Travel in these areas will be difficult to impossible at times, and New Yorkers are urged to pay close attention to the weather and make plans accordingly to stay safe, especially those planning to attend Sunday’s Buffalo Bills’ game. New Yorkers are being encouraged to enjoy the game from home, however if they are planning to attend the game, they should travel with extreme caution and pay very close attention to weather and travel updates throughout the weekend.

“In anticipation of the upcoming storm, I have declared a State of Emergency for Western New York, and my administration and I are monitoring the forecast as well to see whether that will be necessary for the North Country,” Governor Hochul said. “During this time, it is important to check in on vulnerable friends and family, and do whatever you can to stay safe and warm.”

The State of Emergency applies to the following counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Wyoming.

Travel Ban for Empty Trucks/Trailers and All Tandem Trucks

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, the New York State Department of Transportation and New York State Thruway Authority will be issuing a ban on empty trucks/trailers and all tandem trucks on the following routes:

Thruway:

• I-90 Exit 46 – PA line
• I-190 (south of the North Grand Island Bridge)

NYSDOT:

• Buffalo Skyway (NY 5)
• U.S. 219
• NY 400
• I-190 (north of the North Grand Island Bridge)
• I-290
• I-990
• Kensington Expressway (NY 33)
• I-86 in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County

Precipitation is expected to begin late this afternoon with areas in New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson seeing rain, while areas to the north and west should see a period of wet snow or snow/sleet mix. Western New York and valley areas in the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Capital regions should see snow accumulations before turning to rain. Elevations above 1500 feet are forecast to receive heavy, wet snow tonight with snowfall rates up to one inch per hour at times and wind gusts up to 50 mph, which could lead to downed trees and branches and result in power outages.

In addition, damaging winds with gusts up to 65 mph are expected across Western New York into the Tug Hill as well as parts of the Mid-Hudson tonight into Saturday. Winds will be strong across in the state with gusts reaching up to 55 mph in places, which will likely result in downed tree and branches, especially where trees are weakened from recent storms. Western New York will be windy through the day Saturday into Saturday night with gusts up to 70 mph in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Monroe counties, which will likely result in more widespread power outages.

A Winter Storm Watch for heavy lake effect snow has been issued by NWS Buffalo from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning for areas east of Lakes Erie and Ontario, including parts of Western NY and the North Country. A foot or more of snow possible in the most persistent lake effect bands and blowing and drifting of snow is likely due to winds gusts up to 70 mph on Saturday afternoon and evening.

In addition, for New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson regions, multiple flood and coastal flood alerts have already been issued for several locations through Saturday. The ground is saturated from recent storms and any additional rainfall may lead to renewed river flooding throughout the day today.

The National Weather Service has issued several additional watches, warnings, and advisories for this storm. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Agency Activities

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division is actively monitoring the weather forecast and coordinating the State's response to the weather event. Office of Emergency Management staff are in contact with local counterparts and are prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. The Division is preparing to open the State’s Emergency Operations Center this weekend if the conditions warrant, and the Division is prepared to deploy emergency response assets and shelter supplies from the State's stockpiles.

Division of Military and Naval Affairs

The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is mobilizing 100 Soldiers and Airmen with 25 vehicles from the New York National Guard to provide general support to Western New York.

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with more than 3,700 operators and supervisors available statewide. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). All residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors, and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

In addition to existing resources, the Department plans to deploy 54 additional operators, ten supervisors and five equipment trainers to Western New York, along with 25 large snowplows, three large snowblowers and a grader.

Statewide assets are as follows:

• 1,603 large plows
• 338 loaders
• 148 medium plows
• 52 tow plows
• 37 snow blowers
• 23 pickup trucks with plows
• 20 graders

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond to the lake effect winter storm in Western New York with more than 700 operators and supervisors available statewide. The Authority is shifting additional staff and snow fighting equipment from the Syracuse, Albany and New York Divisions to support snow and ice operations in Western New York throughout the weekend. Staff is currently monitoring the storm track and additional operators and equipment are on standby and will be deployed if conditions warrant.

Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 364 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 10 tow plows
• 64 loaders
• Approximately 120,000 tons of salt on han

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Department of Public Service

Electric utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service will have approximately 11,000 workers available statewide to engage in response, repair and restoration efforts for this weekend’s winter weather event. This includes the following additional external contract workers, the majority of which are already in State having worked the Tuesday/Wednesday winter weather event and retained in preparation for this weekend’s storm:

• Con Edison has 750 workers including 100 external contract line workers for their Bronx/Westchester Operating Division.
• Orange & Rockland has 270 workers.
• NYSEG/RG&E has 4,358 total workers including the secured/maintained 2,630 external line workers and 436 external tree workers.
• National Grid has 4,362 total workers including the secured/maintained 2,069 external line workers and 382 external tree workers.
• PSEGLI: has 1,134 workers.
• Central Hudson has 135 workers.
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

The utilities’ emergency response plans remain activated and will be reactivating their incident command structures to track response, damage assessment, repairand restoration efforts throughout the event. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utility companies shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. If your service is interrupted, visit the DPS Utility Service Interruptions website for tips.

New York State Police

State Police are monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to deploy additional Troopers as needed. All State Police four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles, including snowmobiles and utility terrain vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response, and all emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. DEC is coordinating resource deployment with agency partners and all available assets to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to rain, snow, and high winds, including swift water rescue teams and sawyers.

On Long Island, DEC is working to fully document coastal erosion and the extensive damage wrought to coastal resiliency projects—including dunes—by the previous storm, as well as monitor the potential impacts of this weekend’s anticipated high water, wave action, and severe weather.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash, and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams which may cause flooding in nearby areas. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/togs5111new.pdf.

With warmer temperatures expected through Saturday, DEC reminds any outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of conditions when hiking and to use caution when venturing onto ice. Always check ice thickness before traveling across it. A minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is the general rule for safety.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested, and prepared for storm response use.

State Parks has sawyer crews in Western New York and the North Country on standby for deployment for potential road clearing operations. State Parks staff are placing and repositioning sandbags around buildings at oceanfront State Parks throughout the Long Island. Additionally, staff placed sand at Gilgo State Park to fortify the entrance and exit roads and prevent flooding of the Ocean Parkway. Once high-water levels from Tuesday’s storm recede, State Parks staff will fortify a protective sand berm from the East Bathhouse to the West Bathhouse through the Central Mall, at Jones Beach State Park.

Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Based on the current weather forecast, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on all bridges beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Friday through 6:00 a.m. Saturday. Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges will be closed during this time. Pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy and Henry Hudson bridges will remain open weather permitting. Officials are monitoring conditions and will strategically pre-position personnel and equipment to be able to respond to weather conditions as necessary.

New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will have equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant – chainsaws for clearing downed trees, pumps in the event of flooded areas, identifying locations and availability of supplies for replacing damaged utility poles and crossing gates. Diesel locomotives will also be pre-positioned to minimize any potential service impacts. For the latest updates on service across the MTA transportation network, check out the MTA website and our various apps — MyMTA and Train Time — plus, our social media channels.

Port Authority

The Port Authority monitors weather conditions across all its facilities. In the event of severe weather conditions, the agency issues regular travel alerts and updates as needed. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.

Safety Tips

Winter Weather

• Service snow removal equipment. Use rock salt to melt ice on walkways, and sand to generate traction.
• Winterize your home and have heating sources inspected annually.
• If you use heating oil, maintain an adequate supply.
• Have safe, emergency heating equipment available and use according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install and check smoke alarms.
• Protect water pipes from freezing.

Traveling in Winter Weather

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Power Outages

Planning

• If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem - check with your physician or pharmacist.
• If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, consider filling plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one –this will help keep food cold if the power goes out.
• Plan to have an alternative cooking source, such as a camp stove or outdoor grill. Follow appropriate safety rules for its use outside the residence.
• Consider buying a generator and follow the rules for using it outside the residence. Before installing a generator, be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
• Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves on hand to keep warm.
• If you have a computer, back up files and operating systems regularly. Turn off all computers, monitors, and other devices when they are not being used.
• If you have an electric garage door opener, locate the manual release level, and learn how to operate.
• If you have a telephone instrument or system that requires electricity to work, plan for alternate communication such as a standard tele-phone handset, cellular telephone, or radio.

What to Do If the Power Goes Out

• Turn off or disconnect major appliances and other equipment, e.g., computers, in case of a momentary power surge that can damage these devices. Keep one light turned on so you know when power returns. Consider using surge protectors wherever you use electronic equipment.
• Call your utility provider to notify them of the outage and listen to local broadcasts for official information. Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Check to see if neighbors and those with access or functional needs have power.
• Use only flashlights for emergency lighting - candles pose the risk of fire.
• Keep refrigerators and freezer doors closed - most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
• Do not use a charcoal grill indoors and do not use a gas stove for heat - they could give off harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
• Stay warm by dressing in layers and minimizing time spent outdoors. Be aware of cold stress symptoms (i.e., hypothermia) and seek proper medical attention if symptoms appear.
• Close off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:

For more winter safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

Flooding

Planning

• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.

Travel Safety

• Flooding and damaging winds can make traveling dangerous.
• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road – go another way. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
  • Six inches of swiftly moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or knock you off your feet if walking.
  • Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
  • If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
  • If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof. Do not drive around road barriers.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.