Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Major Nor'easter Forecast to Impact Eastern Parts of the State Beginning Monday

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare this weekend for a significant snowstorm forecast to impact the eastern regions of the state beginning Monday and continuing through Tuesday night. Widespread areas of the Capital Region, Central New York, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley and North Country Regions could see up to 18 inches of snow during this time period. Higher elevations in the Capital and Mid-Hudson regions, where the most accumulations of snow are expected, could receive more than two feet of snow by Wednesday morning. The Western New York and Finger Lakes regions may see up to eight inches of snow as a result of the storm. Light snow may begin in some areas Monday morning, but heavier snow will begin as early as Monday afternoon and continue through Tuesday night. Snow will be wet and heavy, and gusty winds up to 45 mph on Tuesday will increase the chances of power outages and related impacts. Governor Hochul advised New Yorkers living and working in these impacted regions to avoid any unnecessary travel as slippery surfaces and reduced visibility will impact commutes Monday evening, all day Tuesday and likely Wednesday morning. New York City and Long Island are expected to receive less than an inch of snow, but rain in the area could cause minor coastal flooding.

"New Yorkers should prepare now for a weather system set to bring significant snowfall to the eastern parts of the state, particularly for areas along the Hudson River and around the Capital Region," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets and be ready to assist local governments if needed. Anyone in regions that will be impacted by the storm should prepare for two or three days of snowfall and hazardous travel conditions."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "This winter storm is a multi-day event that will make travel extremely difficult and dangerous in parts of NY. New Yorkers living and working in the eastern part of the state, especially the Capital and Mid-Hudson regions, should pay close attention to their local forecast, limit unnecessary travel, and plan ahead for power outages."

Winter Storm Watches are currently in effect for the entire eastern part of New York State, north of New York City. Additional weather watches, warnings and/or advisories will likely be issued over the coming days. For a listing of weather warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

Agency Preparations

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:

• 1,489 generators
• 536 chainsaws
• 964 portable Heaters
• 39,948 MREs
• 552,260 bottles & cans of water
• 9,105 cots
• 9,641 blankets
• 11,220 pillows

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,631 operators and supervisors available statewide. To support snow and ice activities in critical areas, a total of 76 staff, including 63 plow truck operators, 11 supervisors and 2 equipment operator instructors are being deployed. They are distributed as follows:

• Capital Region: Receiving 10 plow operators and 2 supervisors from the Western Southern Tier
• Central New York: Receiving 3 plow operators and 1 supervisor from the Western Southern Tier
• Mid-Hudson: Receiving 6 plow operators, 1 supervisor, and 2 equipment operator instructors from the Finger Lakes Region

• • Receiving 24 plow operators and 5 supervisors from Western New York
  • Receiving 20 plow operators and 2 supervisors from Long Island

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

Regional crews are currently engaged in snow and ice response activities and preparations. All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operation throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations. All available equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,617 large plow trucks
• 154 medium duty plows
• 52 tow plows
• 344 large loaders
• 37 snow blowers

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.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 winter storm with 680 operators and supervisors available statewide.

The Thruway is shifting additional staff and large plow trucks from its Buffalo Division to support snow and ice operations in eastern New York. Staff is currently monitoring the storm and additional operators and equipment may be deployed if conditions warrant.

Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 357 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 11 tow plows
• 68 loaders
• More than 117,000 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 e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Department of Public Service

Utility companies regulated by the Department of Public Service have approximately 7,500 workers available statewide to engage in repair and restoration efforts for the winter weather system.

This includes the following supplemental external resources:

• 765 external line and service workers for National Grid's East and Central divisions
• 450 external line and tree workers for NYSEG and RG&E
• 125 external line workers for Central Hudson
• 380 external line workers for Con Edison
• 330 external line workers for Orange & Rockland

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

The New York State Police will be adding additional patrols and staging snowmobiles and utility terrain vehicles for immediate response in areas that will be impacted by the storm. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

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 are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

DEC is advising backcountry visitors 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 at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/950.html.

Winter hiking safety and preparedness are extremely important regardless of a hiker's physical ability or destination. Properly preparing for winter conditions is essential for a more enjoyable and safer experience. Additional information on winter hiking is available at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112826.html.

DEC reminds those responsible for the large-scale 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 the storm. Additional information is available at 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. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use. State Parks has nine sawyer crews available for deployment has needed. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Safety Tips

Travel

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

• 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

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:

• • 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.

For more Winter safety tips, visit https://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.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services