Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers to Prepare as Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Move into the State

Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers to stay prepared as a storm system moves up the eastern coast and enters New York. This significant system will impact most of the state through Tuesday with heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding, especially those in flood prone areas. The system is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rain and gusty winds in many locations, although parts of the eastern Catskills could see rainfall totals exceeding five inches. Rainfall rates are forecast to peak at 1-1.5 inches per hour during the storm’s duration, although there is the possibility for locally higher rates of rainfall at times. Flooding is likely in some locations, especially in the Mid-Hudson Valley, where recent rainfall and saturated ground is not able to absorb or hold the forecasted rainfall. Winds will be gusty, especially in New York City and Long Island, where gusts could reach 60 mph or more, especially in the far eastern portions of Long Island, which could cause power outages and worsen coastal flooding conditions. Governor Hochulcontinues to urge New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and gusty conditions, and to check on neighbors and family to ensure their safety through the storm.

“We have been tracking this storm system for several days and it remains on track to bring several inches of rain to New York, especially in the Mid-Hudson, where some places could see more than four inches of rain by Tuesday,” Governor Hochul said. “There is also a potential for very strong winds downstate in New York City and on Long Island, which could cause power outages. State agencies continue to monitor this system and are prepared to support our local partners. New Yorkers should continue to check the forecast for updates and take the steps necessary to stay safe.”

A Flood Watch is in effect for many locations through Monday evening. High Wind Warnings are in effect for Long Island, and Kings and Queens counties, and Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect for the coasts of Long Island and southern Queens County. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State Agency Preparations

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 prepared to deploy the following assets and shelter supplies from the State's stockpiles, if necessary:

• 1,526 generators
• 536 chainsaws
• 954 portable heaters
• 48,636 MREs
• 345,432 bottles & cans of water
• 7,877 cots
• 8,149 blankets
• 11,220 pillows

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond to the weather event with over 3,600 operators and supervisors available statewide.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,597 large dump trucks
• 342 large loaders
• 91 chippers
• 14 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 98 water pumps

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

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority staff is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is proactively inspecting storm drains and rock slopes, and ensuring equipment is ready to deploy to any wind, flood or weather-related issues. The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 688 operators and supervisors available.

Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 353 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 64 loaders
• More than 128,000 tons of salt on hand

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 emails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

New York State Department of Public Service

Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service have approximately 6,100 workers available statewide to engage in repair and restoration efforts for the winter weather system, including an additional 600 Con Edison and O&R workers as follows:

• Con Edison – Bronx/Westchester Operating Division: 250 mutual aid line contractors and 50 tree workers
• Con Edison – Brooklyn/Queens Operating Division – 250 mutual aid line contractors
• O&R: 50 mutual aid line contractors

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 are on alert and monitoring the developing situation. All available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

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

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is closely monitoring weather conditions this weekend to ensure safe, reliable service.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Sunday, December 17 at 10:00 p.m. The ban is expected to be in place until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 18. Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge will be closed during this time. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues, including removal of trees that may fall across tracks.

Customers are encouraged to check https://new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA's apps: MYmta and TrainTime.

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.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• 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.

Power Outages

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing 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

For more safety tips, go to https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

About the State 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.