Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Winter Storm Impacts and State Agency Response

Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update to New Yorkers on statewide winter storm impacts and state agency response efforts as a storm system continues to impact most of the state with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, knocking out power to more than 52,000 customers. Areas in the upper Mid-Hudson and the lower Capital District Regions received up to a half inch of sleet and freezing rain overnight, as well as a mix of snow. Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and the North Country received up to a foot or more of snow with several additional inches of snow forecast through this afternoon. While downstate areas have seen mostly rain, freezing rain is forecast to impact the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions starting this morning and continuing through the evening commute.

"New Yorkers are waking up this morning to a lot of snow or a messy mixture of sleet and freezing rain that has already made travel treacherous and brought down tree limbs and power lines," Governor Hochul said. "I urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant and avoid all travel, especially in areas where the mix of sleet and freezing rain is making roadways extremely dangerous. We will continue to monitor conditions, deploy assets as necessary and provide support to local governments if needed."

In coordination with the New York State Police and Thruway Authority, the Department of Transportation implemented a 45-mph advisory speed limit and a "right lane only" restriction for commercial trucks on the all or portions of the following corridors: I-84 from the Connecticut to Pennsylvania state lines; Rt. 17 east of Binghamton; I-88; and I-81 south of Syracuse. Speed reductions are also in effect for many areas along the Thruway system.

Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to practice extra caution, limit travel, and check on neighbors and friends to ensure their safety.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "We are seeing a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow that makes it difficult to travel and especially difficult to de-ice. New Yorkers should take frequent breaks if removing snow and ice today and use extra caution if traveling. Take it slow, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, and be on alert for changing road conditions and snow plows working to clear roadways."

The weather system will continue to push across the state this afternoon, and areas south and east of the Capital Region are forecast to receive a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain. Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the North Country, and parts of the Mohawk Valley are expected to receive several inches of snow. Across downstate regions, rain is expected to change to a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain this afternoon before tapering off in the evening. Dangerous, icy travel conditions are likely to impact the evening commute for much of the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions tonight.

Steady snow will end across the state late Friday afternoon, with some lake effect impacts in Western New York and the North Country through this evening with wind gusts up to 30 mph at times causing blowing and drifting snow along the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario shorelines. These areas will also see the return of bitter cold conditions and sub-zero wind chills today through this weekend.

Multiple weather warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service remain in effect through this evening for locations throughout the state. For a complete listing of weather advisories in your area, visit the National Weather Service website.

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is activated and closely monitoring weather and travel conditions, coordinating State agency response operations, and communicating with local governments during the event. The state's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water.

Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is responding with the following assets:

• 1,748 large- and medium-duty plow trucks
• 328 large loaders
• 51 tow plows
• 39 snow blowers
• 23 pickup trucks with a plow
• 18 graders

Twenty-seven personnel from Long Island will be deployed to other regions as follows:

• The Capital Region is receiving 7 snow plow operators and 2 equipment operator instructors.
• Central NY is receiving 8 snow plow operators and 1 supervisor.
• The Southern Tier is receiving 8 snow plow operators and 1 supervisor.

Fifty-six generators were deployed to areas expected to experience freezing rain and are staged in anticipation of responding to any dark signals.

Twenty-one sawyer crews from the Department of Environmental Conservation and Parks are staged and on-call to assist DOT tree removal operations.

Tow services are being utilized at the following locations: US 20 (Madison), I-81 (Onondaga), US 20 (Onondaga), I-390 (Steuben), I-86 (Chemung), I-84 (Orange), I-684 (Putnam), I-81 (Broome), I-88 (Broome), NY 17 (Broome), and NY 17 (Sullivan). The need for additional tow services will be reevaluated as the event develops.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is actively engaged in snow and ice operations with 677 operators and supervisors available statewide, along with the following assets:

• 356 large- and medium-duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 68 loaders
• More than 119,000 tons of salt on hand

Three trucks have been redeployed to the Syracuse Division, from the Thruway's New York Division, to assist with the response.

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 and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway here.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure impacted by severe weather.

All available assets, including sawyers, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

DEC is advising backcountry users to be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions due to weather that could increase the risk of avalanches on slides or steep, open terrain. More information is available here.

DEC reminds those responsible for the large-scale removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. More information is available here.

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

Department of Public Service

The storm continues to impact the Mid-Hudson and southeastern Capital District regions of the state causing new damage and outages in the region, especially in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, and Orange counties. Central Hudson and NYSEG are responding to 9-1-1 and downed wire emergency jobs and engaged in restoration efforts where it is safe to do so, even as new outages continue to be incurred by the storm. Central Hudson secured 30 additional contract FTEs who will arrive in the region later this afternoon; this is in addition to 125 mutual assistance FTEs from neighboring utilities.

The total number of customer outages statewide is 48,500.

New York State Police

State Police will be closely monitoring conditions and will be 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.

New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation

The New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation staff are performing preparations to ensure all facilities, assets and equipment are secured and ready. The Power Authority is prepared to support power restoration activities if needed.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to spread salt and clear platforms and stairs of ice, keep signals, switches, and third rail operating. MTA Bridges and Tunnels is advising motorists to drive at reduced speeds.

Customers are encouraged to check 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, Long Island Rail Road Train Time and Metro-North Train Time.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority is monitoring weather conditions. Speed restrictions may be in effect at the bridges, as well as along roadways to and from the crossings. Passengers through the Port Authority's facilities are encouraged to reach out to carriers and airlines directly for the latest information on delays and cancelations. 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 Travel

The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms are transportation-related crashes. 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.

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• Wet leaves on roadways can cause slippery conditions, making it important to drive at slower speeds when approaching patches of them.
• Make sure your car is stocked with 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.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up.
• If you have a cell phone or 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.
• Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• While driving, keep vehicles clear of ice and snow.
• Plan stops and keep distance between cars. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

Power Outage

If experiencing a power outage, New Yorkers should:

• 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. For a list of utilities, visit the State Department of Public Service.
• Check to see if your neighbors have power. Check on people with access or functional needs.
• 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.
• In cold weather, 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.
• If you are in a tall building, take the stairs and move to the lowest level of the building. If trapped in an elevator, wait for assistance. Do not attempt to force the doors open. Remain patient - there is plenty of air and the interior of the elevator is designed for passenger safety.
• Remember to provide fresh, cool water for your pets.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions. If you must drive during a blackout, remember to obey the 4-way stop rule at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
• Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not be working.

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page.