Governor Hochul Urges Caution as Multi-Day Winter Weather System Brings Heavy Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain Across the State

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for a lengthy winter weather system that will bring heavy snow to Western and Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and the Capital Region, while freezing rain and icy conditions are expected in the Mid-Hudson and downstate regions. A round of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is forecast to begin later this afternoon as the storm moves east. Precipitation is expected to transition to mostly snow by Friday morning across much of the state, although the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions could see freezing rain and sleet Friday morning.

“We are expecting a major winter storm system, including heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, moving across most of the state today and tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies involved in emergency response are prepared and ready to deploy additional assets to assist local governments. Roads could be hazardous, so I encourage New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel and pay attention to your local forecasts until the storm passes."

Power outages and tree damage are possible due to ice and subsequent snow accumulation. Travel in affected regions could be hazardous at times, especially during the evening commute on Thursday and the morning and evening commutes on Friday. Governor Hochul advises New Yorkers to be prepared to stay home, avoid unnecessary travel, and allow emergency response crews to complete their missions.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Governor Hochul and I encourage New Yorkers to be prepared and plan ahead if you must travel the next few days. We will continue to monitor the weather forecasts and are keeping up to date with our government partners at the National Weather Service, state agencies, and counties to ensure we have proper response coverage in the areas most impacted by the storm.”

Parts of Central New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier could see up to 18 inches of snow, while Western New York and the North Country are expected to receive up to a foot or more of snow. The Capital region is forecast to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow, and parts of the Mid-Hudson Region, where snowfall and mixed precipitation is most likely, could receive up to 4 inches of snow and up to two tenths of an inch of ice.

Multiple weather warnings and watches have been issued by the National Weather Service in anticipation of the multi-day event, which is expected to move southwest-to-northeast across the state throughout today and into Friday. 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 prepared to respond 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.

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

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

Tow services will be 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 https://www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is prepared to respond 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 staged in Syracuse, from NYC, 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. For more information go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/124692.html.

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. For more information, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/togs5111new.pdf

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

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,750 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, and restoration efforts across New York State. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions anticipated to be most impacted.

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.